#cityscapes unlimited

[vidi-ink]

“... There is no job and no life that will force you to be flexible like art. One day I´m in my atelier working on dark portraits and the next I´m designing a futuristic cityview for a promotion in amsterdam… ”

Working digitally always feels like cheating to me, unless, like in this case, you switch between digital and analogue, improving both. 

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“Amsterdam 2100”

  Rendered image

Digital/ analogue merged

[jesssssssssica]

cowboy like me cl16

It was sometimes hard being a new person in every town you had visited, having to adapt to recognising when someone was speaking to you and your new identity and having to remember the names of the many you would eventually con.

But it was worth it and it was the only life you knew, having grown up conning the rich for all of their worth, charming them to a point of gaining their trust, to milk them dry all for the advantages of being rich.

You had met many in your journey but none of them stayed with you for long enough that you could trust them, too afraid that you too would be swindled.

It all happened in Monaco, a small country filled with the rich and greedy, making it a perfect place for you to coax the men into giving you parts of their earnings. Whilst there, you had slept with a man, many years older than yourself, but not the oldest you had ever been with. It was an easy target, with the man practically begging to bed you, and from there you had him hooked. Who knew that you could gain three antique cars in a single weekend, by just batting your eyelashes and perfecting a pout? Men could be so easy. 

But then you met him.

A fellow traveller that currently called himself 'Charles'.

To this day you still don’t know whether or not the name he addressed himself by was real or not, having no way to try and find out. 

He was handsome, sure, with his beautiful smile and his enticing accent, but his looks also equated to his ability to annoy and do your head in.

You didn't originally want to speak to the man who was somehow managing to outshine you and take away your earnings, finding him a nuisance who only got away with his crime due to his boyish charm and rugged looks , but you couldn't resist it.

It began on the rooftop of one of the country clubs, the one that overlooked the tarp covered tennis courts, the both of you drunk out of your minds, courtesy of the unlimited tab on the bar, watching the way the lights of the cityscape shone against the dark night.

You don’t quite understand how the pair of you both managed to be in the same place at once, blaming it on the alcohol levels in both of your systems, but for some reasons it was as if you two were just normal people that knew each other for years and years. 

The silence between the pair of you was comforting and you liked it, enjoyed it even, finally getting some peace in the hectic life that you lived.

"Do you want to dance?" Came the voice from beside you, the first words shared between you to be spoken in almost twenty minutes.

Silence.

You could only stare at the man in front of you in bewilderment and confusion, perplexed at the prospect of dancing with the stranger in front of you, the man with a thousand identities.

Who was to say that he had not gone through this routine with the ladies in the previous towns, the people before you, sweet-talking you into false beliefs only to leave you alone and upset whilst he's off in another city, restarting his routine.

"Y'know dancing is a dangerous game" Was the only response you could muster, too afraid to say more but too confused to say any less.

And yet the man in front of you could only smile at you, with an equal amount of coyness and understanding, but still he holds out his hand, emphasising his desire to dance with you. 

It was at that moment, as you continued to stare at his outstretched hand, that you realised that it was going to be one of those things that your mother had always warned you about, having had knowledge on what it was like falling in love whilst on the run, yourself being one of the few things that came out of the affair. 

Was it worth it to destroy yourself by allowing someone in? More specifically, was it worth it to destroy yourself by letting someone that lied and swindled for a living in?

But now, looking back on the life you previously led, thinking back to that week in Monaco, you realised that you should’ve listened to your intuition and not your heart, because now you had a heart that could never love again. 

You should’ve known better than to trust someone who swindles and lies for a living, who wants to take and take and take because of course why would someone love someone when they could swindle them out of their dignity and pride? 

Because here you are now, swirling a gin and tonic in your hand, sitting on your kitchen counter waiting desperately for the ring of the phone, praying that he calls and yet silence continues to overtake your apartment. It’s crazy that the want for some pricey cars led to this creation of a forlorn you. 

But he’s a bandit, going from town to town, hustling for the rich lifestyle and it’s understandable but you always seem to wonder whether or not you live this life together, like Bonnie and Clyde, charming everyone with our sweet tones and stories. 

You could finally understand the way the men felt whenever you manipulated them into thinking that a one night stand left you enamoured with them. You could almost indefinitely say that karma had come back to bite you in the bum after all the crimes you had committed. 

So now you speak of him as if he were a pharaoh from a distant land, an antique and precious figure, to the people you meet along the road, however never addressing that this tale is a raw and real one, one that left you traumatised and unable to love again. 

A ghost in the world.

[kallie-den]

Hunting Hound

Leinth Aritimis, a rebel pilot, is captured by the enemy. Her personal hero, Sartha Thrace, is there to be a lifeline - but she's a changed woman. Can Leinth set Sartha free? Or is Sartha so lost to Handler's brainwashing, she'll betray a woman who trusts her above everything else?

This is a sequel to Warhound! Please make sure to read that story first so that you can understand this one

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Nothing makes Leinth Aritimis feel good the way being saddled up in the cockpit of a huge mech suit does.

It’s not a rare refrain for a pilot. Most are enraptured by the sheer power it brings. You can feel it in your gut; the thrum of the engine, the shaking of the earth, the divine thunder of artillery. It’s never been that for Leinth, though. Truth be told, the noise and fury of her own Genetor still frightens her at times. But what really matters is what it lets her do.

Fight.

Leinth never set out to be a hero herself. She just wanted to be a little like her own heroes. To do her part. That was the least anyone could do, and the duty had grown heavy in her belly during the last years of her adolescence, until she was finally old enough to join up. The war isn’t going well. They’re always on the back foot. But that means Leinth always has something to defend, and knowing that makes her strong. The looks of hope and relief she sees on peoples’ faces when she dismounts after a long, hard-fought battle - that’s what feels good.

Now, after a couple of years, people were starting to call her a hero. Crazy.

She doesn’t deserve it, and she always tells them so. She’s no Sartha Thrace, and her Genetor is certainly no Ancyor. Ancyor is a proud old beast. Genetor is a slab. A fortress as much as a vehicle. Huge, angular, unwieldy - but not for Leinth. She’s learned well how to wield it. In her hands, the rebel prototype is a bulwark. She takes pride in that, and she’s proud of her machine in turn. Proud of the way it keeps moving even now, with an awful, jagged chunk taken out of its right leg.

Leinth reaches up overhead and punches a few switches, shunting power into the sensor suite for one more sweep. A few moments later, it clicks back its report. Nothing. No movement. That’s a  relief. Maybe it’s actually over.

“Genetor reporting,” she says into her radio. “Sector is clear. I’m gonna stay out just a little longer. Make sure the bastards are gone for good.”

You got it, comes the warm reply, after a brief burst of static. But I think we got ‘em, Leinth. Don’t wear yourself out.

Right now there’s little choice but to take the sensors at their word. No use looking outside, that’s for damn sure. The day’s fighting has turned the cityscape into a blackened ruin where ash hangs in the air like fog, billowing on unnatural winds. What tall buildings remain are nothing more than burnt rebar skeletons ; in amongst them are the carcasses of mechs that haven’t quite managed to fall, looming over the shattered concrete like strange, harrowed statues. Most of them are so ravaged by the firestorm, Imperial and rebel models look exactly alike.

It’s demoralizing. But as long as there’s land and there’s people, they can rebuild. Leinth always insists upon that, to herself.

It’s been bad here. Intense. A fresh Imperial offensive. There’s no telling how much worse tomorrow might be. This could have been the final battle or merely an opening skirmish. Sometimes the resources and reserves at the enemy’s disposal seem all but unlimited. There’s a push-pull logic to the ever-moving front lines that Leinth can’t perceive. It’s not her job to, as a pilot. But like everyone else, she knows that they are not winning.

Maybe they can win here. Maybe Leinth can be the rock on which the tide breaks. She’s the one who never loses faith.

The falling dusk is a mercy, in a way. It hides the worst of the damage, and the most heartbreaking details. The contents of a wardrobe and a life ripped out of a building by an artillery shell and strewn all over the ashen ground. No good comes from looking. Those things - the human traces, the human remains - are too small for most mech pilots to notice. But in quiet moments, Leinth finds herself looking, magnifying them to fill the Genetor’s viewscreen. It’s a bad habit, and the darkness of night saves her from it. If she indulges, it’s too easy to let her thoughts turn to dark things.

Dark things like Sartha Thrace.

It’s been months since she disappeared. She went out like a hero. Her Ancyor was last seen plunging deep into the enemy’s lines to fight a furious rearguard. She’s listed as MIA not KIA, technically, but Leinth has done her best to make her peace with her hero’s passing. The rumors are making it damn hard, though. Rumors about seeing the Ancyor back in service on the wrong side of the war. Rumors about it moving the way only she could make it move.

Leinth hates hearing that shit. She’s said so often enough and angrily enough that no one says it to her face anymore. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t overhear when people are whispering about it. And it’s hard as hell to get it out of her head. Sartha Thrace means the world to her. Meant the world to her. That poster above her bunk in the barracks. An idol. Even Leinth’s transition goal, in the early days before she knew better. Now the kind thing to do is to let her memory rest until the time comes when they can honor it properly.

It’s not that she doesn’t wish Sartha Thrace was still alive. She wishes that more than anything. Especially in battles like these, it sure would be nice to have a hero to believe in.

Genetor! Headed your way! Leinth!

The urgency of her CO’s voice on the radio catches her attention just as much as her name. Leinth snaps back to attention and looks down at her scope - and then freezes. Her first response - her rational response - is that it’s a glitch. It has to be. It doesn’t make sense for a heat signature like that to be moving that fast. Then instinct takes flight. Leinth can feel it already. The vibrations. The heat in the air. She brings Genetor around to face the new threat, brings her weapons up, and kicks her searchlights up to max.

It’s too late. No time to brace herself. Ancyor is upon her.

Leinth would recognize its savage face anywhere, even here, and it makes her hesitate. If she wasn’t already screwed, that pause is what screws her. Once Leinth can make her hands move, it’s far too late to make use of Genetor’s shields. And Ancyor doesn’t stop to launch a blow. It simply barrels into her. With a raw howl of steel on steel, the mechs collide. Genetor might be a slab, but Ancyor is monstrously strong and it has momentum. There’s no contest. The impact sends Leinth off-balance. The ACS screams at her, but there’s nothing to be done.

Genetor topples over. The bastion falls.

And it will not be allowed to stand. Ancyor is still on her, driving its massive chainblades into the prone mech’s limbs. Leinth cries out in panic. She feels the severance in her own flesh. The rattling, the noise, the flashing lights as Genetor’s systems struggle to shunt power to the cockpit - it’s a nightmare. She already knows she’s lost. There’s no coming back from this.

But it gets worse. Ancyor rears up, and amongst the ashen city, lit only by Genetor’s flickering searchlights, it looks truly awful in its lupine fury. Then it brings its fist down, right on the cockpit. The sound of the blow is an awful crunch; a noise no metal should ever make. Leinth screams as the wall of her cockpit starts to bow in against her. Genetor holds, but only just. Another blow has it convulse, and Leinth’s scream is silenced when her head is thrown back against the back of the cockpit. No ACS to compensate now.

She starts seeing in black and white. Not good. Concussion, at least. It happened so fast. Leinth is still struggling to believe in what she’s seeing and feeling. It doesn’t make sense.

There’s only one woman who can pilot Ancyor like this. But it’s not her. It’s not her.

There’s no third blow. Or if there is, Leinth is too far gone to feel it. She hears something, though. Other vehicles approaching. Not mechs. Smaller. They get close, then stop, then Leinth hears scrambling. Shouting. Climbing. The realization of what’s happening makes her breath catch with fear, but she’s beyond even adrenaline now. Darkness is here for her.

The last thing she feels before oblivion is the Imperial engineers starting to drill their way into Genetor’s cockpit.

***

There is no time, in the room. No daylight, no clock. Leinth has been counting sleeps and by that tally it’s been fifteen days, but that’s surely off by a day or more. Especially given how hard she got knocked around.

Leinth remembers being pulled from Genetor’s cockpit. She remembers being bound and guarded and dragged into an infirmary, to receive only the most basic medical care. Leinth had been in and out for most of that, twitching and shouting whenever she was close to consciousness, but then they gave her something that brought her all the way back up to uncomfortably sharp awareness. Then, an interrogation. Noise, bright lights, sternness, threats - the usual. Crude. Blunt. Like all pilots, Leinth has prepared herself for this long ago. They got nothing from her.

She’d been bracing herself for torture to follow - but no. At least, not that kind of torture. Something had interrupted the proceedings. There had been a whisper in an ear, and then a strange ripple had gone through her interrogators. With fresh urgency, they’d dragged her to her feet and she’d been taken somewhere else. Somewhere down, under the hangar, far beneath the rest of the Imperial base.

It’s strange here. The walls are dark, and it’s much too quiet. None of the hustle and bustle that’s everywhere in any normal military facility. Since then, nothing. Leinth has been left to sit and rot in her uncertainty and her boredom. The solitude is maddening. There is nothing to disturb it except occasional meals given at irregular intervals through a slot in the door.

From how it leaves her feeling, Leinth is pretty sure the food is drugged. She eats most of it anyway. Tricking her into starving herself could be another way of softening her up.

The sound of locking bolts retracting into the wall heralds change. At once, Leinth is completely focused. Any information about her situation, any stimulation at all, is a sweetness she’s desperate for. When the heavy cell door swings open, she catches sight of the person holding the key. Immediately she regrets her eagerness. This is almost more disconcerting than seeing nothing at all.

The menial standing before her had once been an Imperial pilot, judging from the uniform and the wings on her lapel. Once, but no longer. There’s something unmistakably broken about her. Her uniform is wearing thin from neglect and she moves with a strange, stooped, shambling gait that just doesn’t look right on a person. She’s like an animal that’s been beaten one too many times. Leinth wishes she could see her face, if only to verify her humanity, but she can’t. The menial is wearing an awful hood that hides her face - leather, perhaps, and fashioned to look like a dog’s head.

It’s some sick shit, even for Imperials, and Leinth doesn’t have a clue what it means.

All is forgotten, though, when the menial steps aside and reveals Leinth’s visitor.

Sartha Thrace.

Her presence is electricity on Leinth’s skin, and for that reason she knows she’s real even before she pinches herself and blinks - three times, four times, five times. It’s impossible, but she’d know that face anywhere, even here, even in the dim glow of the cell’s lights. It’s the real deal. Leinth believes it with her whole heart, especially when Sartha Thrace flashes her a classic smile and reaches up to rake back her messy blonde hair. Somehow, in the flesh, she’s even more beautiful than she is on the posters.

“Leinth Aritimis?” Sartha says. “Looks like you got scooped up pretty rough, huh?”

“I… I… you…” Leinth’s mouth is struggling to catch up with her brain. There are too many questions, and the first to fall from her lips is embarrassingly juvenile. “You… know who I am?”

“Sure.” Sartha walks into the cell - ushered in, it seems - and the door closes behind her. “We fought together, right? The Dacian salient?”

Leinth nods numbly. She remembered. She actually remembered. They’d only met in passing, as two pilots amongst many, and Leinth had been nobody then. She’d assumed Sartha Thrace had taken no notice of her. She feels - and notes with humor - a faint flicker of gratitude for her captivity.

Then she blinks. She remembers her place.

“I should…” Leinth stands and salutes as best she can. “Captain!”

“Woah, easy.” Sartha laughs and waves her off. “I’ve never been a stickler, Leinth, and it doesn’t seem to make much sense here. Just call me ‘Sartha’.”

Leinth nods. She can barely believe her luck. It’s like a dream come true - circumstances notwithstanding.

“So they… they got you?” Leinth asks slowly, as Sartha walks over and sits next to her on the long bench that’s one of the cell’s only features. “We all thought you were dead.”

“Yeah.” Sartha smiles faintly. “I guess they did.”

“I saw Ancyor out there,” Leinth says. “It’s what took me down. I guess they… gods.”

Sartha doesn’t reply. She just looks down. In the dim light, Leinth can see there’s a strange look in her eye. Distant. Glassy. She’s not herself, in that moment.

Leinth can’t blame her for it. She doesn’t want to think about how she’d feel if she knew someone else had taken Genetor from her. Was using it against her people. The violation would be monstrous. She silently prays her mech was too damaged for that.

“So,” she says, hoping to bring Sartha back. “What happens now? To us. To… me.”

“Wish I could tell you.” Sartha looks up. She sounds OK again. “I don’t even know how long I’ve been here.”

“Did…” Leinth is afraid to ask, but she needs to know. “Have they done something to you? Anything I should prepare myself for?”

Sartha looks down again. “I don’t… know.”

Leinth has no words for that. She shivers. She clamps down hard on her own, faint disappointment. She tries to remind herself that Sartha Thrace is more than a hero on a poster above Leinth’s bunk. She’s been through hell. Anyone would be in pieces after months down here.

“But,” Sartha adds after a long moment, “you’ll be OK. I remember how I felt when they first put me down here. You’re strong. This is not the end. I’m still here, aren’t I? And now there’s two of us. It’ll be easier.”

Now Leinth feels ashamed of even that initial flicker of disappointment. She can hear the grit in Sartha Thrace’s voice. She can feel the warmth, and she is warmed by it. Thanks to her - thanks only to her - this chthonic hell feels bearable. She’s gonna get through this. They’re going to get through this. She can believe that, with a hero at her side. Leinth is so very grateful for Sartha’s presence.

But that begs a question.

“Thank you,” Leinth says, but frowns. “Why do you think they put us together like this?”

“Dunno,” Sartha replies. “She didn’t tell me anything.”

She? Who? The menial? Maybe, but there’s something about how Sartha said it. It’s probably not important.

“Could be they want to get us talking?” Leinth glances around. “This place could be wired for sound. Maybe they’re hoping we’ll let something slip.”

“Maybe.”

“Let’s keep it light, eh?” Leinth says. “Just in case. No secrets.”

“You got it,” Sartha agrees. “I have something important to ask you though.”

“OK.” Leinth glances around again. She decides to trust Sartha’s judgment, but just in case, she leans in so they can whisper to one another. “What?”

“Have you met Her yet?”

“No,” Leinth answers, before thinking. The question puts a nasty feeling in her gut. “Who?”

“Her.”

That one little word contains within it an ocean of feeling. Sartha quivers with excitement as she speaks it. She can barely contain herself. It’s a prayer, swelling with reverence, bursting with unnatural devotion. Leinth can sense already that Sartha is consumed by this ‘Her’. Nothing she said to Leinth before matters. Whatever - whoever - she’s talking about is utterly totalizing.

“Sartha,” Leinth says hesitantly. “What are you talking about?”

Sartha Thrace smiles, and now her smile is all wrong. It’s too serene. “Ah. You haven’t. You’d know if you had. Don’t worry. I’m sure it won’t be long.”

“Sartha…” Leinth’s stomach is plummeting. She’s panicking again. This isn’t right. “What the fuck?”

“She’ll explain everything,” Sartha assures her, and it’s like she thinks Leinth will be grateful for the assurance. “Once She talks to you, everything will make sense. You’ll make sense.”

“Stop talking like this!” Leinth pleads. “Just�� just tell me what’s going on.”

Sartha pauses and restrains herself. Leinth can still see the light of energy and enthusiasm brimming within her, though. She’s just holding back because she can see Leinth isn’t ready yet.

“Handler,” she explains. Her tone is worshipful. “Oh, Leinth. You have no idea how wonderful she is!”

“Your…” Leinth feels like she’s going to throw up. “Sartha. Out there. The Ancyor. That… please. Please don’t tell me that was you.”

“It was.” Sartha tilts her head. Her eyes grow distant. “Well. In a way.” 

Leinth doesn’t know what the fuck that means, but she’s heard more than enough. She springs to her feet. Leaps away. Anger is clawing at the inside of her skin.

“Traitor!” she snarls. “How… how could you? How did they… no, no, it doesn’t fucking matter. You betrayed us all!”

Sartha looks saddened, a little. Not enough to doubt herself. “She said you’d say that. But it’s OK. She said that I don’t need to listen. I think she just wants me to help you.”

“Help me? What the…”

Leinth doesn’t want to hear that. It’s awful - that whoever this ‘She’ is, all she has to do is say one word, and Sartha shuts off? That’s inhuman.

“Help you,” Sartha repeats. “It’s… an adjustment. Being with Her. I struggled with it too, at first. At least, I think so. She says I don’t have to remember anymore. But once you accept it - once you accept Her - everything gets better. You’ll see.”

Obviously they’ve done something to her. Brainwashing. Obviously she’s a victim too. Leinth knows that - but knowing isn’t enough. She would have kissed the ground Sartha Thrace walked on. She would have given everything for her. Now she’s with them. Leinth starts to shed tears as her voice becomes a bitter, frigid growl.

“Traitor,” she spits, hoping she can inject enough venom into her voice to make it sting. “You’re a fucking traitor.”

It works. Sartha looks offended. Wounded. She looks away, like she’s trying to go distant again, but she can’t quite manage it. Even now, even after whatever the fuck they did to her, she has just a little bit too much fight for that. She needs to retort.

“You shouldn’t call me that,” Sartha says defensively. “I’m not a… I’m a hero, right? You know that. The way you looked at me, it’s… I’m just here because…”

Because? Leinth can see gears spinning in her head, but she’s going nowhere. She doesn’t know why she’s here, or what she’s doing. Not really. She looks so lost.

“I-I have to do what She says.” Sartha sounds almost pleading now. “It’s not like I’m… we’re soldiers, aren’t we? We follow orders. And Her orders are special.” It’s like she’s tricking herself. Searching for justification. She’s found one now, however thin and false. Her distress abates. “If you just met Her, you’d understand…”

Her confusion is so obvious it hurts to witness. It’s embarrassing. Sartha Thrace is meant to be a hero. She’s meant to be better than this. Contradicting feelings tear into Leinth’s mind. She wants to forgive the confused woman in front of her. Their captors must have done something truly awful to her. But that also makes her presence hard to bear. Is it a warning of what fate they have in store for Leinth? Leinth doesn’t want to think about that. Not for one second.

Sartha Thrace is meant to be better. She’s meant to be the hero on the poster. Not this. Leinth doesn’t want to see her like this.

“Just leave me alone,” Leinth says quietly. When she catches Sartha looking sadly at her, she balls her hands into fists. It pisses her off. “Get the fuck out already! Go. It’s not like you’re a prisoner here, right? I don’t want to fucking look at you.”

She laughs bitterly at that. Sartha looks sorry for both Leinth and herself. She stands.

“I’m sorry you feel that way,” Sartha says stiffly. “I’ll be back, though. I promise. I don’t want to leave you all on your own down here. And I really think She wants me to help you. To look after you. She’s so kind, you see.”

Leinth just stares at the wall, so Sartha walks over to the door of the cell. She bangs on it twice with her fist and the door opens. Leinth stays dead still until she leaves and the door closes again behind her. Then she buries her head in her hands and starts to sob.

Fuck.

***

After that, it all changes. The solitude and boredom, as interminable as it was, is something Leinth comes to miss. Because after Sartha’s first visit, they start torturing her.

That’s how Leinth chooses to think of it, anyway - torture. She’s not sure what else she’d call it. It’s not a kind of torture she’d ever prepared herself for, though. It’s not an interrogation. There are no questions. It’s not pain for pain’s sake, either. Sometimes it doesn’t hurt at all. They drug her with drugs that make her feel like nothing else. They hook her up to strange machines that seem to do nothing and everything. They shine bright, flickering lights into her eyes, and it’s like they’re projecting something, like an old movie on film, and only part of her mind is able to see it.

Other times, it hurts worse than Leinth could ever describe.

Either way, by the time Leinth is dragged back to the cell she feels like her skin’s been ripped inside out. She feels like one of those mech carcasses, still standing even though they’ve been burned to ash on the inside. All she can do is collapse and lie shivering on the floor of her cell, trying to piece herself back together. Sometimes, all the sensations they inflict on her seem to linger on in her body, burrowing deeper, until she can remind herself they’re not real. Sometimes, the drugs leave her with an impossible euphoria that makes Leinth feel like she can’t trust any of her own thoughts.

At those times, when Leinth is at her very lowest, Sartha Thrace comes to visit. 

The first few times, at least, Leinth finds the strength to tell her to fuck off. To her credit, she does. But Sartha keeps coming and eventually, in a moment of weakness, she relents. It was meant to be just that once, but after that Sartha always ends up staying. Leinth is not made of stone. Without Sartha, she’d never see a single soul except for the hooded menials that drag her from her cell each day, and they barely seem to count as human.

She takes infinite comfort simply in sharing her cell, for a time, with another, familiar person. Just seeing Sartha’s face, seeing her little human gestures like the way she adjusts her clothes and rakes back her hair, makes Leinth feel less crazy. Less alone and forgotten, like she’s died and gone to her own private hell.

Sartha’s good company, too. Even though she’s a traitor. She only wants to talk if Leinth does. She’s never pushy. She’ll put up with Leinth’s insults and anger. And sometimes, it even feels like Leinth is getting through to her.

She’s so beautiful, too. That helps.

After a time, it becomes a rhythm. Torture, then Sartha. The rhythm makes it easier to bear. No matter what they do to her, no matter how it feels, after a while Sartha will be there. They can talk if Leinth needs to hear her voice, or not if Leinth needs quiet. Eventually, her anger abates. There’s no point being angry at Sartha Thrace. They’re both in hell. Maybe Sartha’s just in a little deeper.

The rhythm does trouble her, though. She’s not blind to all the ways it could be used against her. Everything that’s happening to her in this place seems as regular as clockwork, but sometimes Leinth senses something behind that. A presence. A person. The rhythm’s conductor, perhaps. It might even be that mysterious ‘she’ Sartha sometimes refers to.

Or it might not. Maybe Leinth is just losing her mind.

Talking helps with that. It feels like it helps, anyway. Not that there’s much to talk about. Mostly, Leinth talks about herself. Sometimes they talk about the war, although it’s difficult to draw Sartha out on that topic. It’s like she doesn’t want to think about what’s happening, or what side she’s really on. It’s like she prefers to be confused. Leinth learns that if she presses too hard Sartha might shut down on her, or worse, leave, and so Leinth learns not to. She finds the line where she can draw out Sartha’s sense of contradiction without scaring her off.

And sometimes there are glimpses of the old Sartha. Of someone bright and brilliant, full of charisma and heroism. Leinth comes to live for those glimpses. Even now, Sartha is a kind of hero to her.

“’In a way’,” Leinth says slowly, one day, thinking back to their very first conversation. “What did that mean?”

“Huh?” Sartha, sitting just along from her in the cell, turns her head.

“When I asked you about piloting Ancyor,” Leinth presses. “You said it was you - ‘in a way’. Tell me what that means.”

Sartha looks away. “I was… nothing. It was me.”

“Bullshit.” Leinth has learned what it looks like when Sartha doesn’t want to think about something. “Tell me. Stop hiding something.”

Now Sartha sighs. “I’m not… hiding. You just wouldn’t understand.”

“Try me.”

It’s possible she’s pushing too hard, but the question has been burning inside Leinth. After a short time, Sartha sighs.

“It’s like… it’s like there’s someone else in my head,” she says slowly. Then, realizing how that sounds: “I mean, it’s still me. Obviously. But sometimes I can… let them take over. When She wants me to.”

Leinth doesn’t need to say anything. Her expression does all the talking. Sartha gets defensive.

“I-It’s not how it sounds,” Sartha insists. “I’m just not explaining it well. It’s like… it’s like how, sometimes, in the heat of battle, you just go on autopilot. You know that feeling, right?”

Leinth nods.

“It’s just… one step further than that.” She’s grasping and she knows it. Leinth can tell. “It’s better this way. A clearer separation.” Sartha taps her foot restlessly. “I wish She was here. If She explained it to you, you’d understand perfectly.”

“Why do you need to be separated?” Leinth argues back. “I don’t. I want to be me. When I’m piloting. When I’m fighting. I want to know what I’m fighting for. Don’t you?”

“I…” Sartha taps her foot faster. Agitated. “N-no. No, it gets distracting. Better to keep it separate. Better to focus. Better to ignore everything, except orders. Her orders. She says I don’t need to think, and the other me makes it easier. It’s better this way!”

By the end, she’s almost shouting. It’s the first time Sartha’s seen her get so worked up. She wants to push further, but she can sense this is the limit - for now, at least. Maybe Sartha’s mistress doesn’t realize how fragile she is. Maybe Leinth is starting to figure out where the cracks are.

But she’ll be smart about it. Rhythms go both ways. Now she can be the one to provide comfort. She slides along the bench and rests her arm across Sartha’s shoulder. She squeezes her. Sartha relaxes. She welcomes the touch.

“You know,” Leinth says slowly, after a minute or more has passed, “that it wasn’t always like this, right?”

“Yeah.” Sartha’s voice is empty.

“And…” Leinth takes a deep breath. “And you know it’s not like this for most people, don’t you? You know it’s not right.”

Sartha plants her head in her hands. She might be crying. Then slowly, finally, she nods.

***

Time passes. It goes on. It gets worse. Whatever they’re doing to Leinth, it’s getting more intense. Not more painful - no, that would be preferable. Increasingly, instead of agonizing memories that reverberate yet more pain, Leinth is left with no memories at all. She’s left without clarity. Often for hours, even after she’s returned to her cell. Blackouts. Lost time. It’s like her mind, her life, is being packed into smaller and smaller boxes. Each day, less space remains. Less of her is able to survive. The rest is all an endless, wandering fog. Each memory and each clear thought becomes a hard-fought battle.

It’s a war. And Leinth is losing this war too.

The pilot has no defenses against this. She knows how to be strong, but strength isn’t enough. Leinth’s emotions are starting to fray. She screams. She wails. She sobs. She bangs her fists on the cell walls until her skin breaks.

Leinth can’t even count the hours or the days. She can’t tell if she’s putting up a good fight. What haunts her more than anything is that all of this could have been no more than a couple of weeks. What if she’s falling apart like this in just two weeks.

It brings her to despair. Only Sartha Thrace can comfort her.

Leinth is lying across her lap, resting her head in the softness and warmth of her former hero. It’s the only soft thing she ever gets to touch. When the inside of her own head feels like a hive of bees or a yawning abyss, she can lose herself in the slightly scratchy texture of Sartha’s clothes. She can become something that only exists in the present tense, without her past to grasp at and her future to dread.

She can’t remember when she lost enough of her pride to accept this embrace, from a woman she’s called a traitor. But Leinth is glad she did. Without this, she couldn’t make it. Her very worst fear is that one day, Sartha will simply stop appearing at the door of her cell. She just has to pray they won’t start using that against her.

Sometimes they talk. Not often, though. What’s there to talk about? Nothing changes down here. Leinth tries to keep working Sartha, though. Putting her fingers in those cracks. Pulling them apart. She thinks it's working - not that she trusts herself to judge. But Sartha talks less about ‘Her’. She seems more uncomfortable, whenever Leinth questions. That’s something, right? That’s hope?

None of that today, though. Leinth isn’t together enough for it. All she can do is rest her head in Sartha’s lap and sob.

She tries to sob silently and cover the shaking motions she makes when her breath catches awkwardly in her throat. Maybe she doesn’t want to cry so nakedly in front of an enemy. Maybe she doesn’t want to cry so nakedly in front of her hero. Either way, she keeps her face turned away and hopes Sartha can’t quite see her in the dark.

Then it strikes her: of course she can. It’s dim in here, but not pitch black. And Sartha’s head is right above her. Of course she can see.

Leinth pulls her arms and legs in tighter. She tucks in her head. “Sorry,” she says quietly.

Mercifully, Sartha doesn’t say anything. She doesn’t even make some condescending, cooing little noise. She just, very gently, reaches down and starts to stroke Leinth’s hair.

Leinth closes her eyes. At first in shame, but slowly she relaxes. Sartha’s touch is startlingly pleasant. It feels like an angel’s touch. Suddenly, Leinth is struck with a kind of vision.

She imagines that it’s the Sartha Thrace from the poster, sitting above her, stroking her hair. Sartha Thrace as she once was. Always victorious. Always right. Resplendent in her heroism. Her stirring beauty shining like the sun. Smiling a cocksure smile that lets everyone with her know that it’s going to be OK.

The fantasy is a little childish, she guesses. But she needs it right now. Leinth gives herself over to the pleasant daydream. It makes her feel like it’s going to be OK.

Eventually, after a long while, she manages to make herself still. She stops crying. She’s shed enough tears for the day. But there’s no escaping the knowledge that tomorrow will be the same. Fresh torments. And once they’re over, even less of her will remain.

“Sartha,” Leinth says. Her voice is shaky and hoarse. “I’m not going to make it in here. I’m going to end up like you. Or worse.”

There’s a long pause. Then: “I know.”

Leinth summons up her courage. “Will you help me escape?”

A longer pause. Then:

“Yeah.”

***

They make a plan, that night. It’s a simple one. No time for refinements. Leinth is desperate to get out and, frankly, she can’t trust Sartha to keep her word.

From what she’s said, simple should be good enough. This part of the base - the ‘kennels’, Sartha calls them - is large, but has only a small contingent of those dog-hooded menials. Sartha can send them away once the cell door is unlocked, and then she can lead Leinth to freedom. They shouldn’t encounter anyone else on their way to the hangar. All Leinth has to do is steal an Imperial mech and run like hell.

It sounds a little too good to be true. But what choice does Leinth have but to put her faith in Sartha, and hope she has enough of her own strength left to overcome any unexpected challenges?

The real sticking point is Sartha herself. She says all this like she’s not coming. Leinth senses that she shouldn’t ask. Now more than ever, she can’t afford to push Sartha to breaking point. She can see, plain as day, all the fear and doubt inside the captured hero. For all her reputation, she’s like an abused puppy now. She isn’t just thinking running away will earn her another kick. She’s thinking that running away will mean she’s nothing at all.

Leinth wants to prove her wrong. She’s nursing a hope that, at the very last moment, when they’re standing at the threshold, Sartha will choose to take her hand. They have a connection, as pilots and fellow prisoners. Whatever Sartha’s done, she can still be redeemed. She can be whole again. A hero once more.

And Leinth can be the one to take her back into the light. It feels like fate, in a way. Maybe that’s why her chest is filling with tentative confidence.

The moment comes. Leinth hears the lock on her cell door disengage. There’s a pause - longer than usual - before it opens. Sartha is standing in the doorway. No one’s behind her. Sartha steps back, beckoning Leinth. Leinth’s heart starts to race. It’s happening. It’s real.

“This way,” Sartha says.

They start moving quickly, not quite running for fear that their feet pounding the concrete will alert something or someone. It’s just as dark out of Leinth’s cell as it is inside it, and to her the dark corridors and passageways Sartha is leading her through are utterly indistinguishable. She’s tried mapping the place based on what she sees when the menials drag her out each day, but no luck. There’s too little light, and their work leaves her far, far too disoriented.

Sartha appears to know them intimately, though. She leads and Leinth follows, and eventually she senses that they are sloping upward. It takes longer than she’d hoped, though. How big is this part of the base? Is this sprawling complex just for prisoners like her and Sartha? There’s no sense to it than she can discern.

She can puzzle that out later, though. Now she just needs to escape.

They round a corner and Leinth almost runs headfirst into Sartha’s back. She’s stopped. Leinth can immediately see why. For the first time, they can see light - not the light of day, but the bright, harsh light of the mech hangar, and that’s close enough. It’s still distant and faint but it’s closer than had Leinth dared hope for.

But that’s not why Sartha froze. There’s something else. Someone standing between them and freedom. Not one of the menials. Leinth immediately knows who this is.

It’s Her.

Sartha’s handler. The woman she seems utterly in awe of. There’s no one else it could be. She’s wearing a strange kind of uniform - black leathers and a dark cap, with a long coat that lends her a formidable silhouette. Hair is platinum, almost white, as cold as her eyes. She wears a thin smile as she stares down the escapees.

This is bad. Leinth knows that right away. But she’s already running the numbers. This woman’s no bigger than she is. Even if Sartha freezes up, which seems likely, it’s a fair fight. Leinth can win those.

Sartha Thrace does something much worse than freezing up.

“Well done, Sartha,” the handler says. She gestures down. “Now. Heel.”

Leinth is frozen in horror as Sartha rushes across to the handler’s side and kneels.

Her obedience isn’t the worst part, much as Leinth wishes it was. The worst part is how bursting with energy Sartha is. With certainty. There’s no hint of doubt or shame or guilt in her demeanor. She’s rushing forward. Practically wagging her tail. So eager it’s embarrassing.

If she was going to betray Leinth again, the least she could have done was hesitate.

“Good girl,” the handler says as Sartha throws herself at her feet. She reaches down and blesses her head with a couple of fond pats. Leinth is grateful she can’t see the look on Sartha’s face. She’s sure it would break her heart. “Hello, Leinth Aritimis.”

Leinth grits her teeth. This is as bad as it gets. She needs to get her head into gear. This is combat. She should run. But she needs to ask the question.

“What did you do to her?”

Handler takes her time. She tilts her head. Considering, perhaps, how to answer. "I gave her a gift,” she says. “The kind of gift that wins anybody over. I made her perfectly happy.”

Anger swelled in Leinth’s bosom. “You’re sick.”

The slight smile on the handler’s face is maddening. “Do you think so? I believe I’d like to give you the same gift, Leinth.”

That makes her skin crawl. “She’s not happy, you piece of shit.”

“Doesn’t she look happy to you?” the handler replies. She extends her palm, and Sartha stretches her neck to rest her chin on her hand. There’s nothing more Leinth wants than to rush over and break the handler’s jaw. But who knows how Sartha would react to that?

“I’ve seen what she’s like,” Leinth growls. “It’s no gift. She’s suffering. She’s in anguish. I’ve seen it. Half the time, she’s falling apart!”

“Indeed,” the handler muses. “She struggles without me, doesn’t she? But she put up with it so bravely. I’m so proud of her.”

The emotion dripping from her lips is a sickening mixture of mocking condescension and genuine affection. Leinth has never heard anything like it.

“Sir,” Sartha pipes up. She has eyes only for her handler and she seems nervous about speaking, but excitement at the praise has overcome her. “May I have it back?”

The handler smiles down benevolently at her. She’s so proud. “Of course you can, Sartha.”

She reaches into one of her coat pockets and retrieves something - a small, elongated, metal cage with a pair of leather straps mounted to it.

A muzzle.

Sartha presents herself and keeps dead still as her handler bends down and affixes it to her face, taking care to brush her hair out of the way and make sure the straps are exactly as tight as they need to be. It’s as loving as a kiss. As twisted as a curse.

“Up,” the handler says once she’s done.

Sartha rises to her feet. She turns to look at Leinth but barely seems to register her presence. The muzzle jutting out of her face is grotesque. Leinth can’t help but notice how serene she is now. Sartha’s face is clear of doubt, wracked by none of the confusion that had plagued her whenever they’d spoken in Leinth’s cell.

Was it an act? Or does the handler’s presence simply have this much sway over her?

Which is worse?

Leinth swears to herself and spits on the ground. Fuck this. Fuck whatever this is. She’s not going to fall to pieces over this. She’s not going to stand here and stare and let this woman play games with her head. She’s getting out of here.

“See you in hell, freak,” she snarls, and breaks into a sprint.

All she needs to do is put the handler down and run. Leinth can figure the rest out on her own. Sartha isn’t going to help her. Not now.

She makes it a few paces before the handler reacts. She doesn’t panic, though, or raise her arms to defend herself. She just says something to Sartha in a firm, clear voice.

“Off The Leash.”

The next thing Leinth knows, she’s on the ground. It’s just like when she got laid out by Ancyor. Something is on top of her. Something panting and violent and angry. It’s Sartha.

Except it isn’t.

Nobody could go from zero to sixty that fast. Nobody. No person. But Sartha doesn’t really count as one of those anymore. She’s staring down at Leinth with a look of impossible, bestial hate, eyes as furious as they are shallow. Her hackles are raised and her back is arched, and her lips are drawn back to expose snarling teeth. There’s a sound coming from the back of her throat; a low, rumbling growl, like the rolling of thunder. It’s a sound that has no business coming from a human.

This is her. The other self Sartha was talking about before. Leinth knows it. Not a person. Just a honed instrument of her handler’s violent will.

A hound.

"Easy, Hound,” the handler says. “I don’t want her harmed.”

Hound eases off - but only just. The hate burning in her eyes as she looks at Leinth is so singular. It’s utterly totalizing. Leinth tried to desecrate her goddess. That’s all there is to it. The depth of her devotion is so unnatural it makes Leinth’s skin crawl.

The handler moves to stand over her, looking down at her. “You will not escape from here,” she pronounces. “You will never leave this place again. Not unless I permit it. Understand?”

Her manner demands an answer. Leinth doesn’t have one, not even a foul spit of defiance. She’s just trying not to fall to pieces. She’s cursing herself for her optimism. For not seeing the signs. She’s trying not to tear up too, because that would just be too pathetic. She doesn’t want to give this woman the satisfaction. But for that strength, she needs hope. And there’s precious little to hope for, now.

Only Sartha.

There has to be something left of her, right? You can’t just take a human being and take them apart and put them back together like this. Right? Right? You can’t just make a person this small.

There’s something left. Leinth just needs to get through to her.

“Please,” she mouths silently at the hound. She tries to meet her gaze, hard as it is. So much hate, in eyes that had become so familiar. Her muzzle disfigures her. It’s hard to look past that and see the face of a hero. But Leinth is determined to try.

“You have such faith in her.” The handler’s lips curl. “Don’t you see? She’s mine now.”

“No!” Leinth cries, although her voice is weak. “She… she wants to leave with me. She knows this is wrong. She knows you’re her enemy. I saw it.”

The handler arches an eyebrow. “Hound. Up.”

Hound rises to her feet instantly, offering Leinth one last warning growl. Leinth knows better than to try to stand.

“Take off your jacket,” the handler instructs.

Again, Hound obeys without thought. She discards the military jacket she was once so proud of like it’s nothing. Underneath she’s wearing a simple, khaki tank top. The handler lifts the hem to Hound’s chest and uses her other hand to fondly touch the pilot’s abs, feeling at their definition. She’s enjoying them - her smirk makes no secret of that - but this is all for Leinth’s benefit. She’s trying to piss Leinth off. Showing her that only she gets to touch Sartha Thrace this way.

It’s working.

Then the handler makes her hand into a fist and punches Hound in the gut.

She may not be a pilot, but she’s a military woman and her form is good. And more to the point, Hound makes no attempt to defend herself. The blow leaves her bent double, retching and heaving, before her legs give way and she sinks to her knees. She looks like she’s in agony.

Leinth is sure that Sartha Thrace - Hound - whatever - is quick enough to have sensed the blow coming. But she didn’t brace herself. Didn’t even tense her muscles or expel the air from her lungs.

What the fuck kind of control is that? Control on an instinctive level. In her nerves, her muscles, her reflexes.

And that’s not the end. After watching Hound contort and groan for a few moments, the handler lowers the offending fist to Hound’s lips and pushes her muzzle aside.

Hound kisses it.

The kiss is almost innocent. It’s like a knight kissing her liege’s ring. Knowing it's the hand that just left a mean bruise on Hound’s stomach makes it twisted. It gets worse when the handler extends her fingers and uses them to pry Hound’s lips apart, running her fingertips over her teeth, pinching her tongue, smearing drool across her face.

Depraved. There’s no other word for it.

“Do you still think she wants to leave?” the handler asks as she pulls back and fixes Hound’s muzzle.

“Yes, damn it!” Leinth’s wishes her voice sounded firmer. “You’ve done something to her. That… thing is not Sartha Thrace. It’s just something you put in her head. It’s not her.”

“Would it help to hear it from her own lips?” the handler asks. “I’m trying to help you see the truth of her, Leinth. She doesn’t deserve your faith.” She turns to Hound. “On The Leash.”

Light returns to her eyes - a semblance of it, at least, but smothered by the handler’s presence. It’s Sartha again. The muzzle, though, still ruins her face.

“Sartha,” the handler says. Sartha’s ears prick up, grateful merely for the attention. “Do you want to leave me?”

“No!”

The word bursts from her lips, an explosion, before she can catch herself and add the appropriate ‘sir’. Sartha is suddenly desperate. Panicked, far more so than she’d ever been with Leinth in her cell. Her eyes register a wounded confusion.

Is she being abandoned? What did she do wrong?

“No, sir!” Sartha repeats. Her eyes flick and flit manically. She’s on the brink of collapse. “P-please…”

“Don’t worry.” The handler pets her head again. “You don’t have to leave, Sartha.”

All at once, the hero relaxes. Shoulders sink, muscles release all their tension. Her face slumps into a glowing smile. This is all she needs. God is in her heaven; all is right with the world.

And Leinth’s faint hopes grow fainter still.

“That’s… not…” She feels the need to set this to right, somehow. To explain it away. To make an excuse. “You’re in her head! You have been for months, you sick freak. Whatever fucking game you’re playing with her doesn’t change the fact that she’s still Sartha Thrace!”

“Hmm.” The handler looks impressed, or something like it. “You believe in her so very much. More than I’d expected.”

Leinth would be proud. She takes faith as a mark of strength. For rebels like her, faith in one other is indispensable. She would be proud, if not for how pleased the handler seemed.

“Where does that come from, I wonder?” the handler muses. “Loyalty and admiration so fervent it persists in defiance of reality itself. You can understand, I’m sure, why I might take a professional interest.”

Leinth spits. She’s sure this woman knows absolutely nothing about loyalty. Less than nothing.

“The way you look at her is fascinating,” the handler goes on. She’s bending down a little, peering at the pilot. “Respect. Faith. But other things, too. Envy? That’s normal, between pilots. Who wouldn’t envy my hound?”

At that, Leinth just snorts. It’s nothing she hasn’t thought about before. ‘Do I want to be her friend, or do I just want to be her?’ She’s at peace with it.

“And,” the handler adds. “Lust. You want her.”

“W-what?” Leinth feels something pull tight in her chest, even as she laughs and scoffs. “Don’t be stupid.”

“You do,” the handler decides. She says it so academically. Like she’s putting together a puzzle. Like she’s dissecting a frog. “Why deny it? We know your inclinations. She’s attractive, isn’t she?”

“I didn’t mean…” Leinth glances at Sartha. She has eyes only for her handler, even now, but surely she can hear both of them. “Of course, but-“

“The way you look at her is obvious,” the handler interrupts. She glances at Sartha. “It’s obvious to her, too.”

Leinth’s eyes flash wide. That’s… no. No. She’s lying. The handler is messing with her, that much is obvious. And Leinth was always so careful. She never let those feelings reach her face.

Except…

She can’t be quite so confident, can she? Trying to sort through her own memories of her captivity is like trying to grasp at water. At times, she was all but delirious from the pain and the drugs. Did she let something slip? Did something filthy reveal itself in her gaze?

Leinth looks to Sartha, hoping for confirmation. She’s unreadable. She’s in a blissful daze, shining with gladness at the reunion with her handler and her muzzle.

“Tell me, Leinth,” the handler says. “That poster, above your bunk. Did you ever look at it while you touched yourself?”

Leinth recoils like she’s been struck. Cold washes over her, turning all the hairs along her spine into little icicles. “How do you know about that?”

“Our methods are very effective for extracting information,” the handler tells her. “Did you think that my staff were merely amusing themselves?”

Panic. More panic. Leinth scrambles away across the concrete floor. Suddenly the handler’s eyes on her skin are unbearable. What else might she know? Leinth tries to reach back into memory and find pieces of herself. She finds a black hole. She can’t remember spilling any secrets - but clearly she has.

Who has she betrayed? Please let it only be herself. Please let it not be anyone else.

“I think I can take that as confirmation,” the handler says. “Not that I needed any. You want her.” Her smile widens. “You could have her, you know.”

Leinth goes very still. “What?”

“Is that what would make you happy, I wonder?” The handler reaches out to Sartha again; a light touch across her torso, where a bruise is already beginning to rise. “All I’d need to do is say the word.”

“No! Fuck - no.” Leinth’s stomach churns at the suggestion. “I would never… fuck, she would never.”

“Not at all.” The handler’s confidence is supreme. “If I ordered you to, you’d give yourself to Leinth. Wouldn’t you, Sartha.”

“Yes, sir.”

She doesn’t hesitate before answering, of course. Leinth is just about prepared for that, but she isn’t prepared at all for how plainly eager Sartha is. She’s looking at her handler with hope in her eyes. She wants her handler to say the word. She wants to be given a chance to obey.

No matter what.

Leinth can’t tell if it’s too hot or too cold now. She starts to clamber to her feet, leaning heavily on the nearby wall for support. She feels dizzy. She feels like up is down and down is up. Before she knows it, the handler is right there, merely a kiss away, her eyes inescapable.

“Do you want her, Leinth?” she asks, voice barely a whisper, like what she proposes could be a secret, safely told. “Do you want her body?” She puts her lips against Leinth’s skin. “Do you want her to suck your cock?”

The handler is a pillar of ice, but somehow, just for that one, simple question, she makes her voice impossibly sinful and tempting, like warm syrup being poured into Leinth’s ear. It sticks to her. It makes Leinth’s body stir. Leinth recoils violently, thrown into panic, trying to flee - but she’s already against the wall, there’s nowhere to go.

She can’t let it show. She can’t. But it’s too late, of course.

Disgusting. She’s disgusting. The handler’s disgusting. Hound is disgusting. This is all disgusting.

“You could go down on her too, of course,” the handler adds. “If that’s more to your taste. But I think… yes. This is what you want. Sartha Thrace, on her knees, before you. Warm. Eager. Welcoming.”

“N-no!”

Leinth’s voice trembles. She squeezes her eyes shut. Her fantasies are turning against her and all she can do is turn inward, trying to obliterate them with white-hot shame.

“Well, let’s see.” The handler is ice again as she steps back and beckons Sartha forward. “Here, Sartha. Come. Kneel. Remove your muzzle. Open your mouth.”

“Yes, sir!”

Leinth can hear the eagerness of Sartha’s obedience as she rushes and falls, and briefly fumbles with the strap of her muzzle. Her mind’s eye does the rest, and the picture it paints makes her shiver.

“Look,” the handler commands, and the sheer force of will in her voice is irresistible. “Open your eyes.”

Leinth holds firm for a few moments but it only takes one lapse. One moment of weakness - or perhaps, she fears, of curiosity.  Once her lids part, there’s no going back. She’s transfixed. Sartha Thrace is kneeling before her. Her mouth is open. Waiting. She is ready to receive. There’s a warm smile on her face - it’s for her handler, of course, but it could so easily be for Leinth. It would be so easy to pretend. A fantasy, a wet dream, could never be so vivid and so real.

If it wasn’t already too late to pretend, it is now. Leinth is hard. Her clothes aren’t tight, but it’s still obvious.

“There.” The handler says. She’s not smug, just sure. She doesn’t need to be smug. She knew exactly what was going to happen. “Now, Leinth. Should I say the word?”

Leinth shakes her head in mute horror. If she answered ‘yes’, if she even considered it, she’d become something unforgivable.

“Why not?” The handler asks. “You want to. She wants to.”

“She- ah!”

The handler interrupts her by resting her hand on the back of Sartha’s face and pushing her forward until Sartha’s face is pressed against Leinth’s front. The touch is sparks to dry kindling. Leinth twitches awkwardly, trying to shrink back, but there’s nowhere to go and the handler won’t let her.

Sartha, sensing her handler’s intent, starts rubbing and nuzzling, eager, happy to be of use, and that makes it even worse.

“S-she,” Leinth stammers, struggling to keep the thread of her reason taut. “She doesn’t! She’s… you made her like this! It’s your fault! She doesn’t - Sartha Thrace would never - want this.”

“That doesn’t matter.” The handler shuts her down brutally. “Who knows why anyone wants what they want? It doesn’t matter. Look at the woman in front of you.” She turns to Sartha. “Sartha, would you like to clean my boot?”

“Yes, sir!”

Leinth winces. More of that bubbling, twisted eagerness. Each time is another knife.

“Then do so.”

She extends a foot forward pointedly. Again, there’s no hesitation. Sartha bends forward, prostrate, as if in prayer, and puts her lips to the tip of the handler’s long, tall, black, leather boots and begins to kiss. The wet licking sounds that follow stroke Leinth’s imagination.

Leinth wishes she could look away. But Sartha Thrace’s fall is transfixing. It’s a solar eclipse. She’ll take a punch and thank her handler for it. She’ll kiss her boot like it’s a lover. She’ll make herself a whore at her handler’s command. Is there anything she wouldn’t do for that woman? Any limit?

The question provokes an uncomfortable curiosity.

“That will do, Sartha,” the handler says, after several long seconds. “Stand.”

“Yes, sir.”

Sartha’s voice is breathy with excitement. When she stands, Leinth can see that the handler’s boot is shiny with her spit. She keeps staring.

“Look at her, Leinth,” the handler chides. “Not at my boot. Look at her.”

Leinth doesn’t. She doesn’t want to. The handler doesn’t fight her on it. She has other tactics.

“Sartha,” she says. “Kiss her.”

“Hu-“

Leinth can barely breathe before Sartha, her hero, is pressing against her. Their lips meet. Sartha is insistent, and Leinth doesn’t have the strength to push her away. The kiss isn’t chaste or robotic or forced. Sartha sinks into it, willingly embracing her duty. She’s passionate. Eager. After a moment, Leinth sinks too. The fantasy is too nice, even though there’s one unmistakable difference between this and her fond daydreams.

Sartha’s lips taste like leather and boot polish.

Sartha is the one who pulls away in the end, which is its own kind of humiliation. In the moments after the kiss, with her face inches from Leinth’s, she looks breathy. Flushed. It’s enough to make Leinth pine.

“Do you see it yet?” The handler’s voice breaks the moment. It’s as final as a sunset. “She’s not your Sartha Thrace. Not anymore. So why not enjoy her, if it pleases you?” Her smile ticks upwards. “Many have.”

A spike of anger brings with it a kind of clarity. This is wrong. It’s not even a fantasy anymore. Whatever daydreams and intimate thoughts Leinth has succumbed to, here and there, she never wanted this for Sartha. Never.

Many have.

It makes Leinth shudder. This isn’t a wet dream. This isn’t her long-treasured fantasy. This is just… cheap. Cheap titillation. It’s unworthy of her. It’s even more unworthy of Sartha Thrace.

“No!” Leinth cries. She finds her voice for the first time in what feels like an age, and the force in her denial drives Sartha back an uncertain step. The handler looks at her - surprised, perhaps, although more curious than afraid.

“No?” she asks.

“Just go fuck yourself already!” Leinth screams. It feels good to scream. “You can throw me back in the damn cell, but you’re not gonna get me to… to…” She just looks at Sartha. “I don’t know how you got so twisted that you get off on this sick shit, but I’m better than that. She is better than that.”

“She is not.” The handler says it with a knowing smile, like she’s the one who has grasped Sartha’s soul in her hands, and that pisses Leinth off even more.

“Yes she is!” Leinth insists. “She’s Sartha god damn Thrace! She’s a hero. She’s the hero. You can change a lot of things but you can’t change that!”

It feels good to say it to her face. Everything’s fucked up right now, but not Leinth’s faith in Sartha. She’s placing that beyond reach. Her faith is the midday sun, boiling away the morning fog. If nothing else, she can make sure the handler goes to her grave knowing that she was never able to tarnish it.

“There will always be people out there - rebels out there - fighting because they were inspired by her.” Leinth is finding her theme and her voice. “Her face and her name are on recruitment posters all over the planet. People will always believe in her. I will always believe in her. No matter what you make her say or do, people will always know: it’s not real. It’s not her. The real Sartha Thrace was always a hero.”

For the first time, the handler is silent. Her silence is intoxicating. Seeing her, of all people, seemingly lost for words is almost as rewarding as freedom itself. It’s tempting to keep going, to rub her face in it, but there’s something far more important at stake. Leinth turns, again, to Sartha. She steps forward and clasps her hero by her shoulders, pulling her close.

“And you,” Leinth says. “Listen to me. You will always be a hero. I know that’s not getting through to you right now because of how badly they’ve fucked with your head. But it’s true. We spent a lot of time talking down in that cell. It wasn’t all fake. You can’t tell me that. You’re still in there, somewhere. And one day, you’re gonna get out. You’re gonna escape. You’re gonna find your way back to yourself. It’ll be hard, it’ll be painful, but I know you’ll do it, because that’s what a hero does. And when that day comes, you’ll… you’ll…”

She trails off. There’s something in Sartha’s eyes. She’s listening to her now. Leinth’s words have made it through. The look dawning on her face is real, and that’s exactly what makes it so devastating.

Sartha Thrace looks pained.

It’s a bone-deep, weary kind of pain. Suddenly she doesn’t look like a captured hero or a brainwashed hound. She just looks tired. Like she’s a woman who’s been ground down and chewed up by the world. And now, just by talking, Leinth has become one of the teeth. She’s hurting her. Sartha just wants her to stop.

Leinth can’t go on. She didn’t think it would be like this. In the face of this mysterious wound in Sartha, she’s powerless.

But now, of course, the handler has something to say.

“There’s a chink in the armor of every single human being.” The handler speaks slowly. She wants every word to sink in. “At least one. And if you pry it open, you find a void. If you can fill that void, then they are yours. Right down to their soul. She is the chink in your armor.”

Leinth closes her eyes. She doesn’t want to hear this. She doesn’t want to know that all this, all her defiance, was just another part of this woman’s dance.

“You have such faith in her,” the handler says. “You think it makes you strong. It just makes you brittle. You can think you can handle seeing her broken and dirtied and disappointing. Perhaps. But you cannot handle the real truth of Sartha Thrace.”

It’s that pain. It has to be. Leinth wants to close her heart off to it. To make a hated enemy of Sartha in her head. Then she wouldn’t need to care. She can’t do it, of course.

“The chink in Sartha’s armor,” the handler tells her, “was you.”

Leinth opens her eyes in disbelief.

“Not just you, of course,” the handler adds. “Not you personally. But all of you who call her a hero and worship the ground she walks on. All that faith. All those expectations. Did you think she could carry that much weight? That she didn’t notice? That it didn’t drag her down with every step? She was tired of it, Leinth. Deep in her soul, she was tired of it. She wanted to be free of it. She would never have admitted it out loud, of course. But she knew it all the same. And when I offered her freedom, something deep inside her reached out and took it. That is how I made her mine.”

Leinth is frozen. She never thought about it. Not once. To her, Sartha was always a woman on a poster. Why didn’t she ever…

“I should thank you, shouldn’t I?” The handler says it without mirth. “For helping to wear her down. For helping to deliver her into my arms. And after that little speech, I think she’s more mine than she’s ever been.”

Sometimes, when Leinth pilots Genetor, she takes some pretty fucking big hits. It’s part of the job, after all. Genetor was built for it. It’s the kind of machine that was designed to stare down an avalanche and dare the mountain the do its worst. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t feel like shit, though. It doesn’t matter how heavily built a machine is. When you get hit by heavy ordnance, the force has to go somewhere. It goes through you. And the noise. It’s deafening, in the most literal sense. After some battles, Leinth can’t hear properly for hours afterward. There’s nothing in her ears but a skull-splitting mosquito whine of complaint.

Even that doesn’t compare to how bad her head is ringing now.

It was her fault?

She looks at Sartha once again. That’s the only thing that can save her now. Sartha telling her that it’s a lie. That she never felt that way. That she was OK with it. But Sartha avoids her gaze, and her shame speaks louder than any words.

And that’s the problem, isn’t it? She’s still just looking to Sartha to save her.

“A hero, a martyr, or a traitor,” the handler muses. “Those are the only fates you left her with. No wonder it was so easy to make her a hound instead.”

Leinth gets it now. There are no heroes down here. Not a one.

“Sartha,” the handler says once she’s sure it’s all sunk in. She knows the signs. The slumped shoulders. The sagging, lightless eyes. “Off The Leash. You can take Leinth to my room now. She’s ready for my personal attention.”

It’s a mercy to be faced with Hound instead of Sartha. Hound knows no shame, and no judgment either. Hound doesn’t hesitate. She just puts a hand on Leinth’s shoulder and starts guiding her, unresisting, away from the light and deeper into the catacombs beneath the base.

---

I would like to express my gratitude for the generosity of all those who support me on Patreon, and to give a special thanks to the following patrons in particular for their exceptional support:

Artemis, Chloe, J, Grillfan65, The Secret Subject, Morriel, Dex, orangesya, Red, dmtph, Queenfisher, MegatronTarantulas, NewtypeWoman, WhyamIhere, Vanessa, Madeline, BTYOR, Sarah, Mattilda, Emily Queen of sloths, ntad, The Flock, Shadows exile, Jackson, Abigail, Hypnogirl_Stephanie_, Jade, mintyasleep, John, ZephanyZephZeph, Michael, Be_Be, Tasteful Ardour, Chris, Dennis, paxDulcetGirl, Full Blown Marxism, Morder, S, Myles_EXVS, Brendon, Drone 8315, Jack the Monkey, Jim, Erin, HannahSolaria, Christopher, hellenberg, Kay, Miss_Praxis, Violet, Noct, Charlotte, Faun, BrinnShea, B, Foridin, Jennifer, EepyTimeTea, Slifer274, Roxxie, Phoenix, Ivy, Jim, Sebastian, Joseph, Yaoups, Thomas, Liz, Ali, naivetynkohan, Ada, ds2coffin, Basic dev, SuperJellyFrogEx, night, Katie, Lily, spyrocyndersam13, zzzz, Mal, DarthZipper, Jose, Bouncyrou, Anonymous, ravenfan, Bacon Man, Pluto

[eumilcaaaa]

A Glimpse into Sofitel: Where Luxury Meets Sophistication

Theme: Urban Environment

Get to know the epitome of elegance at Sofitel, where each detail reflects luxury. Explore a world of refined beauty from the moment you proceed through the grand entrances to the meticulously curated interior design. Enjoy mouthwatering cuisine created by famous chefs, treat yourself to therapeutic spa treatments, and take advantage of the outstanding customer service that makes every moment truly unforgettable. Experience a remarkable journey of elegance and joy at Sofitel, where every stay is a celebration of the best things in life.

The Spiral Buffet at the Sofitel is an outstanding representation of culinary excellence, drawing visitors into an unlimited world of delectable food. Spiral, an invitation for the senses that goes beyond simple dining to become an unforgettable experience, is the the peak of pleasure, situated within the luxurious embrace of Sofitel.

Day provides way to night time and Sofitel's pool becomes a peaceful haven beneath the night sky. The pool area has been illuminated in an ambient light that transforms it from a busy cityscape into a serene haven. Take pleasure in a peacefully swim or unwind on the outdoor area by the pool while listening to the soft noise of the night. The Sofitel's pool at evening provides an amazing escape with outstanding service and a mesmerizing atmosphere, where each experience is a celebration of luxury and a state of relaxation.

Enjoy the ability to witness the calm beauty of the the coast compared with the vibrant life of the city from the comfort of your Sofitel room. Each moment spent taking in this lovely scene, whether drinking coffee in the early hours of the day or enjoying cocktails in the middle of the night, serves as a constant reminder of how in balance modernity and nature can coexist. A room at the Sofitel with a view provides visitors a unique opportunity to experience the finest of both worlds while living in the height of elegance and sophistication.

[44gamez]

Gravity Rush 2 Remastered May Launch Soon For PC and PS5

In accordance with a seemingly dependable leaker Orangee, who beforehand leaked a Gravity Rush film, Gravity Rush 2 Remastered is coming to PlayStation 5 and PC. Nonetheless, the PlayStation 5 model will launch first with the PC model to observe after. The leaker additionally claims that Sony will announce the remaster in Might, and that it's at present in playtesting. These claims had been made within the Workforce Alua Gravity Rush Discord server. Its price noting none of those claims have been confirmed by Sony. Gravity Rush 2 first launched on 18 January, 2017. It's at present solely out there on PlayStation 4. The sport’s particulars by way of Sony: One other mind-bending journey awaits gravity queen Kat as a brand new hazard emerges to threaten the material of the universe itself. Nonetheless trying to find clues behind the thriller of her origin, and with the highly effective Raven at her aspect, Kat should grasp three distinctive gravity assault kinds as she takes on enemies and big bosses. Gravity-Based mostly Motion –The franchise’s well-known gravity-based motion mechanics have developed with two extra kinds, every with their very own distinctive assaults. Huge Open World – Enter a shiny and bustling floating metropolis, bursting with life. Manipulate gravity with the movement sensors of the DUALSHOCK®4 wi-fi controller to soar and traverse an unlimited and detailed open world. Signature Artwork Type – French “bande dessinée” comedian ebook aesthetic is artfully blended with Japanese manga and anime influences to create a singular and exquisite environment, with cityscapes and characters and dropped at life in gorgeous element on PlayStation 4. The web server shutdown for Gravity Rush 2, beforehand scheduled for January 18, 2018, has been rescheduled to happen on Thursday, July nineteenth, 2018 at 10:00 PM PT. Solely on-line performance will probably be affected there will probably be no affect on offline gameplay. Upon server shutdown, the next options will now not be accessible: - Sending/receiving challenges - Entry to rankings - Receiving/posting treasure hints - Receiving/posting/reviewing photograph ghosts - Buying Dusty Tokens and rewards Keep tuned at Gaming Instincts by way of Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for extra gaming information. Source link Read the full article

[newweaponx22]

The Golden Touch

Depictions of cursing and violence

(2242 words)

God of Wealth, what a fucking joke. I’m the god of wealth, but I’ve still gotta pay the price. If you’d told me 80 years ago what I was getting into, I honestly would have done it again, but I was a fucking idiot.

Goodbid rolls out of his bed landing face-first on the floor. The lines of age are etched into his face, and the bags under his eyes are more prominent than ever. His beard has grown in as he hasn’t shaven in months. The years have clearly not been kind to him, as the smile is wiped from his face. He starts to have a coughing fit on the floor. You can almost hear the cancer in his lungs.

He reaches up to support himself as he stands up. As his hand touches the bedspread a gold shine slowly creeps along it. His closet slides open to reveal a black suit with golden pinstripes; he only bothers to put on the undershirt and pants. Before he closes the closet, he lingers on a framed picture of him and his party, his family. He reaches for his cigarette box only to find it empty, so he walks over to his wall, pressing a button, and, with a woosh, the wall slides back to reveal the bustling cityscape of Backspace.

As he climbs down the fire escape-like structure leading down the building, he looks back up at his almost vending machine-like residence. Each occupant has their own designated boxes. Goodbid stands in the middle of the bustling crowd as a figure with a gruff voice approaches him. As he sees who the figure is, his heart skips a beat.

Elias:“Morning, Golden Boy, how’d ya sleep?”

Goodbid:“I told you not to call me that.” Goodbid tries to hide the fact that he loves it. He's always loved Elias, but he won't let anyone get hurt again. “And you know I don't sleep.”

Elias:“Whatever ya say, Golden Boy.”

Elias claps him on the back, Goodbid winces at the touch before remembering it's only skin contact that's dangerous.

They walk through the crowd, and they come upon a stone building very reminiscent of Franklin castle from the main timeline, Elias walks through the front while Goodbid waits outside. He walks over to lean against the wall, his heart speeds up at the thought of him and with this sudden rush of emotion, one of the stones on the building turns to gold.

Elias:“Catch.”

Elias tosses him a pack of cigarettes, Goodbid catches it, but it turns to gold.

Elias:“Damn it, Goodbid, do you have any idea how hard it is to get those?”

Goodbid:“Hey! You know I can't control this shit!”

Elias:“Nah, your powers only act up when you’re nervous or something. Do I get your heart racin’ Golden-Boy?”

Goodbid:“Shut up” Goodbid cracks a faint smile for the first time in a long time.

Elias walks over next to Goodbid offering him a second pack of cigarettes, but first, he takes one for himself. Goodbid takes out his solid gold cigarette holder, placing a cigarette on the end and lighting it. The two lean against the wall, smoking together.

Elias:“Ya know, you could do a lot to help out around here”

Goodbid:“Yeah? How so?”

Elias:“Well, not everyone has unlimited resources, people need money.”

Goodbid:“That's not how the economy works; if I just make more money, the value depreciates.”

Elias:“C’mon if you keep worryin’ about the economy, you’re never gonna have any fun.”

Goodbid:“The answer is no Elias, I can't control this shit.” Goodbid starts to walk away.

Elias:“Well, at least let me buy ya a drink.” He turns back to face Elias with a knowing smile.

A few hours later

Elias buys Goodbid his third drink of the night

Elias:“Ok so lemme get this straight; if you make more money, the value of money goes down?”

Goodbid:“Right.”

Elias:“That makes no fucking sense.”

Goodbid:“It makes perfect sense.”

Elias:“Whatever, no more work talk, tell me about you.”

Goodbid:“Not much to tell.”

Elias:“C’mon, tell me about the Goodbid who never smiles?”

Goodbid:“Is that what they call me?”

Elias:“Yeah, everyone talks about you. I mean all Goodbids smile, what happened to you? What makes you special?”

Goodbid:“I lost my party, after SG died Glib tried to attack the blank and it got him too.”

Elias:“Shit, man, I’m sorry, I didn't know.”

Goodbid:“It's alright. I mean, it's been 80 years. I should be over it by now.”

Elias:“Hey, as a soldier, lemme tell ya, it's okay to still feel shitty about that, watching your friends get killed right in front of you is never easy, but ya just gotta remember that they wouldn’t want you to sulk for the rest of your life.”

Goodbid:“Well, enough about me, what about you, what's your reality like?”

Elias:“I mean we were friends in my reality, we took a few jobs together, and eventually we started working together till…”

Goodbid:“Till what?”

Elias:“You died, and I should’ve been there to stop it. I got called away for a job and your stubborn ass decided to go do a job on your own and got yourself killed.” Elias’ eyes start to swell with tears.

Goodbid:“Ya know, it was kinda like that in my reality, but we were more rivals than anything, but, for what it's worth, ya seem all right ta me.”

Elias:“I think that's the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

The pair gaze into each other's eyes for a moment then Elias leans in for a kiss. As their lips are about to meet Goodbid pulls back, afraid that he might turn the last person he cares about to gold. He puts some golden coins on the table as he rushes out the door. Elias follows him outside, but Goodbid has disappeared into the night.

A few months later

Goodbid wakes up in his bed next to Elias to an alarm going off, he's clearly much more put together, and his room is furnished now. Elias wakes up and shaves Goodbids beard down to a mustache.

Elias“We got new arrivals to greet this morning.”

Goodbid:“Well, let's get to work then,” Goodbid says with a smile, but it's not the cheesy grin the other Goodbids wear.

The couple walks to the docking area where they greet new arrivals, meeting the main party. Glib's eyes are glowing red and he is seething with rage.

Glib: WHERE THE FUCK ARE THEY?!?!

Goodbid(main): Glib, I'm gonna need ya ta take a breath.

Goodbid: Good morning everyone, welcome to Backspace. I'm here to get yall set up if you would just follow me.

Glib: I am not going anywhere with you until you tell me where they are!

Doc: *Doc starts to rattle off questions*

Goodbid: If you just follow me to the D.J.E.C. all will be revealed and everything will be sorted out.

The group begins to follow the couple, and they approach a building with the letters D.J.E.C. brandished across the front.

Goodbid: Mornin’ Doc we got some new arrivals for ya.

Callisto: What the fu…

The party enters a large chamber and sees the council of Docs

Doc Prime: Welcome all to Doctor Johanesses Expanded Council.

Callisto: Why the hell are you in charge?!

Doc 2: Ah, I remember my Callisto, you’ve all got that spirit.

Glib: Someone tell me where Emmi is.

Doc Prime: Emmi is being held in a special containment center which we do not have access to.

Glib: Are you not in charge here?!

Doc Prime: Yes I'm in charge here but Emmi isn't here.

Glib simmers with rage.

Doc: This is so intriguing, how did you all form this council?

Doc Prime: That is a story for another time, but right now, Goodbid 718 will get you set up with your monetary value and housing.

Goodbid(main): Does that mean me?

Goodbid: No, that means me. You’re Goodbid 846.

Bello: Mister Doc man, are these your siblings?

Doc: No, Bello, but we'll talk about that later.

Mercury: I appreciate the housing but, I’ve got my trusty Time Skimmer for a home.

Doc Prime: Ah, yes, your ship is going to be dismantled for parts. We require all the resources we can get in backspace.

Mercury: What, you can't dismantle her, she's alive!

Doc Prime: I’m afraid it has to be done.

Goodbid: Alright everyone, follow me. I’ll get ya set up in your apartment.

Sticks: What's an apartment?

Elias: Boy you’re in for a fun time, see ya at home.

Elias plants a kiss on Goodbids cheek before he splits off from the group. Goodbid leads the party to their building, and it is much like his own. It has the same vending machine-like structure except it only has two floors, a floor is added whenever it is required to house new occupants. Goodbid is getting Glib set-up in his apartment, and he is about to leave when Glib finally says something.

Glib: What am I supposed to do, just sit on my ass until I just fucking die?

Goodbid: Listen, Glib, I used to be like that. Guys like us, we’ve gone through so much, but we just gotta keep goin’. If we let this control us, their sacrifice is for nothing, they wouldn't want you to just sulk for the rest of your life.

Glib just sits there saying nothing, he is smoldering with rage. Goodbid gets up and walks across the room to the door, just before he steps through, he turns back to Glib and says,

“Welcome to Backspace, Glib.”

Goodbid goes home to wait for Elias to get home. He waits for an hour, but nothing. Two hours, still nothing. His heart starts racing. Elias should have been home by now, something’s wrong. He pulls on his coat and races outside to find his boyfriend. He makes it to Franklin Castle and sees tire tracks leading away from Elias’ guard post and his shotgun is on the ground. He kneels down to the tracks and under his breath, he mutters,

“Cyber-Cephalyn”

He runs off past Franklin Castle into the wildlands of Backspace. He comes upon the camp of the Cyber-Cephalyn and he sees Elias tied up, he sneaks into the camp and unties his beloved. As they are about to escape a crowd of the Cyber-Cephalyn forms around him. (They are the kraken robot species.)

The crowd parts as one larger Cyber-Cephalyn rolls through it. It has a crown on its dome and a spear in one hand.

Goodbid:“Blob, we don't have to do this, just let us go.”

Warlord Blob:“Well, Goodbid, unfortunately, I can't do that.”

Warlord Blob:“Ya see, I need you. If I remove you from the equation, the whole economy of Backspace crumbles, and that is exactly what I want. Kill him, boys.”

A fight ensues and Goodbid is separated from Elias in the chaos of the struggle. They begin to overwhelm Goodbid, pinning him down to the ground until bang!

Elias reveals a spare gun from his holster and shoots the Cyber-Cephalyn pinning Goodbid down. The two of them are fighting as a unit working with each other to fend off the rest. After the fight is done, Goodbid is leaned up against a wall, panting.

Goodbid:“Elias, you okay?”

Elias:“Johnny.” There is a somber tone to his voice.

Goodbid looks over at his love and there is a golden handprint on his chest and it's spreading. Goodbid crawls over to his dying lover as he slowly turns to gold.

Goodbid:“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”

Elias:“It's okay,”

Elias, places his hand on Goodbids cheek as it slowly turns to gold.

Tears begin to well in Goodbid’s eyes as the gold crawls up Elias’ neck and face.

With all of Goodbids heart, he tells Elias “I love you.” But it is too late, his lover is gone, replaced by a golden statue.

Six years later

Goodbid is lying in bed when there is a knock on his door. The familiar voice of Glib is heard from the other side of the door.

Goodbid:“Go away.”

Glib:“Goodbid, I gotta talk to you.”

The door slides open.

Goodbid:“The hell do you want?”

Glib enters the room as Goodbid pours himself a drink.

Glib:“I know you’ve been going through it, but I need you to snap out of it because I need your help.”

Goodbid:“Why the fuck do you need my help?”

Glib:“I need a Goodbid, and you’re the meanest son of a bitch I know.”

Goodbid:“No.”

Glib:“What do ya mean no?”

Goodbid:“No.”

Glib:“You haven't even heard the offer yet.”

Goodbid:“Still no.”

Glib:“Listen, I'm gonna tell you something you told me when I first got here, if we don't move on and live our lives their sacrifice was all for nothing, we gotta keep on going through life even if it hurts because they wouldn't want you to just sulk for the rest of your life.”

Goodbid says nothing. Glib walks to the door disappointed and just before he leaves Goodbid asks,

Goodbid:“What's the job?”

A smirk crosses Glib’s face as he turns around to face Goodbid.

The End

[creations-by-chaosfay]

If it's ok to ask, how did you learn to quilt? The things you create are so lovely, so I wondered.

Thank you!

I did handquilting for my mom until I moved out when I was 20. Then I took a sewing class when I was I think...34. Until then, I had been making macrame jewelry for over 20 years (I'm no longer able to make jewelry due to injury), drawing and coloring lineart (traditional, and the same injury ended this), and watercolor painting (almost 20 years now, and need to get new paint), and applied everything I learned from those. Balance of color, print vs solid, visual weight, the way the eye flows through arrangement and design. Then applying my personal style. I prefer strong contrast, flow like watercolors, crisp edges, lots of color, and never fearing prints.

Then there's my absurd level of patience. I made the table centerpieces for two weddings using macrame and a lot of beads. Working on watercolor paintings over the course of several days is fairly normal for me. Drawing landscapes and cityscapes were my preference, and those would take...so...much...time because I loooooove details. Not much patience for people, but things and artsy stuff? Nearly unlimited.

I've used a lot of tutorials, both video and written with lots of pictures. Plus my mom walking me through a few things over the phone (I live 2500 miles from my parents and sisters) has definitely played a roll in me learning and improving. Then there's the whole being Disabled and home virtually 24/7. Nothing but time on my hands, and ADHD, results in "I wonder..." and followed by finding out.

Not being afraid of making terrible things is very useful. My first year of making quilts had lots of ugly results, but each thing was practice the next. Crap is excellent fertilizer for a garden, and I plan in having a large and lively garden. Seriously, I have made some impressively horrible things. No, I will not share them here. They are that ugly.

When learning a new thing, don't be afraid to apply "hold my beer" to your mindset.

[anamedblog]

Experiencing Istanbul Through Photography

Maréva U, GABAM-ANAMED Post-Doctoral Fellow (2022–2023)

Fig. 1. Istanbul, street leading up to the Galata Tower (photo by Albert Kahn, 1913, No. A2307S, Albert Kahn Museum). Fig. 2. Istanbul, Hagia Sophia, bronze door (photo by Gabriel Millet, Photo Archives, EPHE).

Photography is a technical and mechanical means of preserving a graphic representation of places, monuments, objects, people, and moments. It can be used as a historical testimony—an approach taken, for example, by the French banker and philanthropist Albert Kahn in his attempt to create the Archives of the Planet between 1908 and 1931[1]—or as a research and documentation tool—an approach we adopt in the humanities and social sciences, as evidenced by the photographs of monuments taken by the Byzantinist Gabriel Millet in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.[2] Photography is also a means of expression that bears the signature of its author and whose objectivity is equal to any artistic work.

However, for several decades, photography has become, in the words of the sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, a “popular art.”[3] Film cameras and the slow and complex process of developing photographs have given way to digital cameras and smartphones capable of capturing, in high definition, fixed images of our private lives and our travels. These digital tools allow for easy and instantaneous snapshots. They lead us, in a consumerist way, to take an unlimited number of images, most of which are stored indefinitely in our smartphones or computers, without much consideration.

Photography is today overexploited and tends to be conditioned by the dominant visual discourses conveyed by the vast media landscape. These discourses construct cultural codes that define the value of a place, transforming a specific site into an appreciable, visitable, or unmissable and “instagrammable” place. The same places and monuments of Istanbul, as in any tourist city, become the subject of countless photographs, or rather the background in front of which people pose in their best light. These stereotypical photographs, whose colors are often oversaturated by smartphone filters that alter our perception of reality, flood the internet and social media. Unconsciously, these discourses and images influence the way we perceive, experience, and photograph places.

Since my arrival at ANAMED, I have wanted to build my own experience and perception of Istanbul, trying to detach myself from these visual dictates (the choice of black and white photography is partly a result of this intention). My research on the experience of the architectural space of Byzantine monuments has undoubtedly influenced my relationship to the city and to photography. Of course, the architecture of the Byzantine buildings attracted most of my attention.

Fig. 3. Vefa Kilise Camii, western façade (photo by the author). Fig. 4: Küçük Ayasofya Camii (St. Sergius and Bacchus), columns and capitals (photo by the author).

Beyond photographic documentation, it is possible to look at and photograph the monuments we visit and study in a different way, especially by examining how they are integrated into the modern cityscape and how people use their spaces today. In doing so, details such as the contrast between the recently restored Tekfur Sarayı and the nearby pile of rubble, the calmness of a man praying in Fenari Isa Camii (Constantine Lips Monastery), or the movement of a child playing ball in front of Zeyrek Camii (Pantokrator Monastery) can attract our attention.

Fig. 5. Tekfur Sarayı (photo by the author).

Fig. 6. Man in Fenari Isa Camii (Constantine Lips Monastery) (photo by the author). Fig. 7. Child in front of Zeyrek Camii (Pantokrator Monastery) (photo by the author).

Besides Byzantine and Ottoman architectural heritage, Istanbul’s vibrant and colorful urban space deserves more attention. Istiklal Caddesi, which is difficult to avoid if you live in ANAMED, is passed by thousands of people every day. Many of them take selfies and pictures of each other or walk around with their smartphones in hand, continuously filming the hustle and bustle of the street, probably without really paying attention to the urban space. To experience it and to photograph it, it is necessary to slow down, to stop, to turn around, and to look up above the sometimes-oppressive crowd to observe and capture, for example, some architectural details or a man discreetly watching urban life from his window.

Fig. 8. Istiklal Caddesi (photo by the author). Fig. 9. Istiklal Caddesi (photo by the author).

Fig. 10. Sıraselviler Caddesi (photo by the author).

To experience Istanbul through photography, it is necessary to voluntarily lose oneself in the city and to be open to possibilities, opportunities, unexpected events, and encounters. In this way, it is possible to observe space, architecture, scenes of everyday life, people’s attitudes, spontaneous movements, effects of light and shadow. In short, the practice of photography allows us to see what is attractive and visible but also to pay attention to what is ordinary and sometimes hidden or invisible. Such an approach to the city can sometimes be uncomfortable, as it puts us in a contradictory position: between a voyeur, eager for aesthetic visuals, and a detached onlooker, aware of the various aspects of a place and its atmosphere. By unknowingly photographing children playing in the street, a man painfully carrying a washing machine, or a woman sitting on a bench focused on her phone, I experienced this ambivalent situation myself. Photography can thus lead us to question our relationships with others and sometimes to overcome our fears of rejection when we ask permission to take someone’s picture.

Fig. 11. Tünel, Istiklal Caddesi (photo by the author). Fig. 12. Children, Balat (photo by the author).

Fig. 13. House, Fatih (photo by the author). Fig. 14. House, Fatih (photo by the author).

Fig. 15. Man, Fatih (photo by the author).

The act of photography, in my opinion, has other effects on the person who practices it. It teaches us patience in order to capture the desired image, a quality we often lack in our productivity-driven society. Experiencing urban space through photography can allow us to take a break from the frenetic pace of our academic lives, as it leads us to develop an alternative conception of space and time.

Fig. 16. Cat, Fatih (photo by the author). Fig. 17. Woman, Taksim (photo by the author).

Therefore, photography is not just a matter of pressing a button to mechanically fix a part of the urban space and its inhabitants in an image. By walking around, looking for photographable objects and framing them, we appropriate the space and try to give a meaning to what we see. Photography can then be used by anyone (with a camera or a smartphone) to record their own experience of space, to visualize their perceptions and engagements with the place, or to explore their aesthetic and expressive capacities.

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[1]  https://albert-kahn.hauts-de-seine.fr/en/collections/presentation/a-documentation-project-for-the-world/the-archives-de-la-planete.

[2] https://explore.psl.eu/fr/ressources-et-savoirs-psl/projets-psl-explore/la-phototheque-gabriel-millet-ecole-pratique-des.

[3] Bourdieu, Pierre, ed., Un art moyen : essai sur les usages sociaux de la photographie (Paris: Les Editions de Minuit, 1965).

[unlimitedindia]

Explore the Best of India with the Golden Triangle Tour and Shimla: A Journey of a Lifetime

India, with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, is a traveler’s paradise. The Golden Triangle Tour, encompassing the cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, offers a glimpse into the heart of India's history, culture, and architecture. Adding the charming hill station of Shimla to this classic itinerary elevates the experience, blending the vibrant cityscapes with the serene beauty of the Himalayas. If you’re planning a memorable trip, the Golden Triangle Tour with Shimla, offered by Unlimited India, promises an unforgettable journey.

The Golden Triangle: A Cultural Odyssey

The Golden Triangle is one of India’s most popular tourist circuits, connecting three iconic cities:

Delhi: The Capital City

Your journey begins in Delhi, the bustling capital of India, where history meets modernity. The city is a vibrant tapestry of ancient monuments, bustling markets, and contemporary landmarks. Some must-visit attractions include:

Red Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this magnificent fort is a symbol of India’s rich history.

Qutub Minar: Another UNESCO World Heritage site, this towering minaret is an architectural marvel.

India Gate: A war memorial dedicated to Indian soldiers, it’s a popular spot for evening strolls.

Lotus Temple and Humayun’s Tomb: These are splendid examples of Mughal architecture and modern design.

In Delhi, you’ll experience the hustle and bustle of a thriving metropolis while exploring the remnants of its imperial past.

Agra: The City of Love

From Delhi, your next destination is Agra, home to the world-renowned Taj Mahal. This city is a testament to the grandeur of the Mughal Empire:

Taj Mahal: Often called the “Crown of Palaces,” this iconic structure is a symbol of eternal love. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.

Agra Fort: Another UNESCO World Heritage site, this red sandstone fort offers a glimpse into the life of the Mughal emperors.

Fatehpur Sikri: Located just outside Agra, this abandoned city was once the capital of the Mughal Empire and is filled with stunning palaces and mosques.

Agra’s rich history and architectural splendor make it a must-visit destination on the Golden Triangle tour.

Jaipur: The Pink City

The final city in the Golden Triangle is Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Known as the Pink City due to the distinctive color of its buildings, Jaipur is a city of forts, palaces, and vibrant bazaars:

Amber Fort: Perched on a hilltop, this majestic fort offers breathtaking views and showcases a blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture.

City Palace: A stunning complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings, it’s still the residence of the royal family.

Hawa Mahal: Known as the “Palace of Winds,” this five-story structure was designed to allow royal ladies to observe street festivals while remaining unseen.

Jantar Mantar: An astronomical observatory that is another UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing the scientific prowess of ancient India.

Jaipur’s royal heritage and colorful markets make it a favorite among tourists.

Adding Shimla to the Itinerary: A Refreshing Escape

After exploring the Golden Triangle, the journey continues to Shimla, a picturesque hill station nestled in the Himalayas. Shimla offers a refreshing contrast to the vibrant cities, with its cool climate, colonial charm, and natural beauty:

The Ridge and Mall Road: The heart of Shimla, where you can enjoy leisurely walks, shop for local handicrafts, and savor delicious cuisine.

Jakhoo Temple: Perched on Jakhoo Hill, this temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Christ Church: One of the oldest churches in North India, its stunning stained glass windows are a highlight.

Kufri and Naldehra: These nearby spots are perfect for nature lovers, offering scenic landscapes and adventure activities like horse riding and skiing.

Shimla’s serene atmosphere and scenic beauty provide a perfect ending to your Golden Triangle tour, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Why Choose Unlimited India for Your Golden Triangle Tour with Shimla?

At Unlimited India, we understand that every traveler has unique preferences and expectations. That’s why we offer customized tour packages that cater to your specific needs. Here’s why you should choose us:

Experienced Guides: Our knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary and ensure you have an enriching experience.

Comfortable Accommodation: We offer a range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to cozy guesthouses, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Tailored Itineraries: We customize the tour to match your interests, whether you want more time in the cities or prefer to explore the natural beauty of Shimla.

Seamless Travel: From transportation to sightseeing, we handle all the details, allowing you to relax and enjoy your vacation.

Conclusion

The Golden Triangle Tour with Shimla is a perfect blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty. With Unlimited India, you can embark on this journey with the assurance of a well-planned and memorable experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, this tour offers something for everyone. Book your Golden Triangle Tour with Shimla today and discover the magic of India with Unlimited India.

[rapidedit12]

Rapid Edit- Catching The Spirit Of Cities

The Fascination With European Architecture European design has actually long fascinated digital photographers, musicians, and travelers. This architectural tapestry is aesthetically stunning, with different designs extending centuries, from ancient damages to contemporary styles making it an excellent subject for architectural photography Europe The conjunction of historic and contemporary structures produces an unified mix that welcomes exploration. We have the Best Architectural Photography in Europe.

Each city reflects its building personality, distinct society, and history. This diverse landscape provides endless chances for professional photographers to capture Europe's aesthetic allure. The abundant structures, complex details, and striking silhouettes inspire admiration and inquisitiveness, attracting individuals worldwide to capture these legendary frameworks.

Why European Design Is A Popular Subject For Digital Photography Professional photographers highly favor European design for its considerable background and aesthetic diversity. The continent boasts prominent and exciting frameworks, using countless subjects for photography. From medieval castles to modernist structures, the series of designs is impressive. Digital photographers are drawn to the fusion of old and brand-new, resulting in captivating contrasts.

The wealth of materials and workmanship supplies ample chances for trial and error. Vivid cityscapes and attractive communities function as backgrounds, including deepness to images. Europe's rich cultural heritage makes it a tempting location for photographers looking for to record the beauty and stories of its building wonders.

Diverse Architectural Styles Found Across Europe Europe's building landscape is a varied tapestry of designs, each representing a various period in background and society. From Romanesque to Gothic, Renaissance to Baroque, and Neoclassical to Modern, each style informs an unique story with its layout and decorations. These architectural marvels, such as the Florence Cathedral and St. Peter's Basilica, deal unlimited motivation for photographers with their visual aspects and narration possibility.

Crucial Gear For Architectural Photography Europe. Proper tools is vital for top quality architectural photography. Crucial equipment includes a high-grade video camera, wide-angle lens, strong tripod, and remote shutter launch. Hand-operated setups and RAW ability deal exact control, while a wide-angle lens records the majesty of frameworks.

A tripod makes sure sharp shots in any lights, and a remote shutter release lowers electronic camera shake. Additional tools like lens filters, a level, and a video camera bag can additionally enhance the high quality of pictures. Investing in these products can significantly improve the impact of building photography work.

Overview Of Cameras, Lenses, Tripods, And Various Other Equipment. Architectural photography needs certain devices for precision and creative style. Cameras with hands-on controls and high-resolution sensing units offer better photo top quality. Wide-angle lenses like tilt-shift or ultra-wide zoom lenses create large make-ups with minimal distortion. Tripods give security, especially in low-light or long-exposure situations.

A remote shutter release protects against video camera activity. Lens filters take care of light and minimize representations. A spirit level makes sure accurate horizontals and verticals. A resilient electronic camera bag secures gear throughout transportation. By taking into consideration these devices, photographers can make enlightened choices when building their toolkit.

Tips For Choosing The Right Gear For Architectural Photography. To select the right equipment for building digital photography, think about the cam's dynamic variety, low-light performance, and megapixel count. Buy a wide-angle lens with minimal distortion and an appropriate focal size. Tilt-shift lenses can deal with viewpoints and lessen merging lines.

Prioritize a durable tripod with security and elevation modification. Use lens filters to handle reflections, control contrast, and boost colors. Purchase a trusted electronic camera bag for tools security. These pointers will certainly help digital photographers unlock their imaginative possibility in architectural digital photography.

Leading European Cities For Architectural Digital Photography. Europe's picturesque cities like Paris, Rome, London, and Amsterdam bring in architectural professional photographers worldwide. Paris perfectly mixes classic and contemporary design with famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Rome's ancient damages, including the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, supply a peek into the past.

London's building landscape incorporates historic and contemporary designs, featuring spots like the Tower Bridge and the Fragment. Amsterdam's charming canals and traditional Dutch townhouses give a timeless background for photographers. These cities use unlimited imaginative opportunities with various building topics, from grand monuments to surprise treasures.

Listing Of Famous Cities And Their Notable Landmarks. When considering the best European cities for architectural elegance, legendary destinations like Paris, Rome, London, Amsterdam, and Barcelona enter your mind. Each city flaunts unique sites, from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the Colosseum in Rome, Buckingham Palace in London, the canals of Amsterdam, and Gaudí's developments in Barcelona. These cities supply a selection of building designs and cultural experiences for professional photographers to capture.

Building Styles Throughout Europe. Europe's diverse building styles span centuries of history and imaginative expression, from Gothic basilicas to contemporary layouts. Italy's Renaissance style showcases balanced elegance, while France is understood for ornate Baroque and Rococo styles. Russia boasts extravagant onion domes and dynamic exteriors, while England supplies enchanting Tudor design.

Spain showcases awesome Islamic style, and Greece and Germany add neoclassical and Bauhaus designs, specifically. European design motivates digital photographers and enthusiasts alike.

Different Building Styles: From Gothic To Modern. Architectural designs evolve, showing social, technical, and imaginative trends. From the 12th to 16th century, Gothic architecture functions directed arches and flying buttresses. The Renaissance revived classic design with symmetry and percentage.

The Baroque and Rococo periods were elaborate. The Industrial Revolution brought utilitarian designs in the 19th century. The 20th century welcomed Modern architecture with simpleness and ingenious materials. Architectural photography Europe captures the charm and background of each design.

Tips For Capturing The Unique Attributes Of Each Design. When photographing various building designs, it is important to capture their distinctive top qualities. Conduct extensive research to recognize the special functions of each style, taking note of information like arches, columns, and materials. Think about lights problems to boost various architectural elements.

Trying out angles and viewpoints to display spatial arrangements and design aspects. Capture the surroundings to give context and a sense of place. By following these tips, you can efficiently record the essence of each architectural design in aesthetically striking photographs.

Digital Photography Techniques For Architectural Frameworks Photographing architectural frameworks calls for details strategies to catch their charm and information. Leading lines guide the customer's look, while the guideline of thirds produces balanced structures.

Depth of area isolates features or establishes scale, and lengthy direct exposure includes movement. HDR digital photography enhances information in all illumination conditions. With each other, these strategies capture the essence of building wonders and inform their stories through spectacular photos.

Framing And Structure For Architectural Picture. Framework and composition are important in building digital photography, shaping exactly how a structure is viewed in the last image. Reliable framing includes picking components to produce depth and focus, using doorways, arches, or surroundings to surround the subject. The guideline of thirds guides composition, placing crucial elements along grid lines for equilibrium.

Proportion is essential for structures with recurring or mirrored designs. Try out focal sizes enables wide-angle or thorough shots. Thoughtful framework and structure emphasize architectural functions and develop exciting visuals.

Use Of Perspective And Angles To Produce Sensational Photos. Point of view and angles are necessary in architectural photography Europe, improving the beauty of structures. Changing perspective can transform an easy image into something amazing. Shooting from reduced angles emphasizes elevation and splendour, while high angles reveal intricate patterns and balance.

Trying out point of view distortion and representations can produce fascinating results, highlighting lines and curves for dynamic images. By checking out various perspectives, digital photographers can innovatively showcase architectural wonders, evoking admiration and fascination in customers.

Lighting Considerations In Architectural Digital Photography Lighting is vital in architectural photography. It can dramatically affect photos, emphasizing details or creating unwanted darkness. The optimal illumination happens at sunrise and sunset, producing a warm setting. Nonetheless, the lighting choice varies based upon the building style. Soft light enhances fragile details, while dramatic lights emphasizes bold lines.

Putting the sun behind or at an angle develops exciting darkness. Home window light and representations add deepness and texture. By understanding lighting conditions and adjusting cam settings, digital photographers can catch awesome photos symbolizing the design's essence.

Ideal Times Of Day For Digital Photography In Europe. Europe uses varied architectural styles and environments, each with distinct appeal. The very best times for capturing architectural digital photography in Europe are daybreak and sunset when soft and cozy light produces a fascinating atmosphere. Italy's Mediterranean light highlights Renaissance architecture, while France's gold hour is perfect for legendary spots like the Eiffel Tower.

Spain's midday sunshine stresses the Alhambra's Islamic style and England's foggy early mornings offer a mystical backdrop for Tudor style. Understanding light and electronic camera setups is vital for phenomenal European building digital photography.

Just how To Deal With Natural Light And Artificial Lighting In Urban Setup. Urban architecture provides illumination challenges with natural and fabricated source of lights. Combining both can produce striking contrasts and darkness in architectural photography Europe. Take into consideration instructions, strength, and shade temperature when utilizing natural light.

Brighten shaded locations with HDR or exposure bracketing. Select the right artificial light source, like spotlights or floodlights, and change white equilibrium setups. Equilibrium natural and man-made light in interior areas for the wanted state of mind. Try out angles and settings for impactful city photography.

Discovering Concealed Gems And Unique Locations Checking out covert building wonders is a satisfying facet of digital photography, supplying new point of views and unimaginable stories. Uncovering these gems needs interest and a readiness to venture past popular traveler spots in European cities. These distinct structures showcase traditional creativity and an authentic environment, permitting photographers to meaningfully record Europe's diverse architectural scenic view.

Ideas For Less-Known Building Websites In Europe. Europe offers professional photographers a chance to record distinct building wonders beyond popular spots. Matera in Italy showcases ancient cavern dwellings, while Rocamadour in France boasts breathtaking sights and intricate stone structures.

Ronda in Spain features striking bridges and a historical bullring versus an enchanting landscape. Scotland's Isle of Skye showcases attractive castles and sturdy surfaces. These lesser-known areas enable photographers to discover Europe's varied building heritage and create a standout profile.

Tips For Discovering Off-The-Beaten-Path Locations. Discover regional background and culture in lesser-known communities, rural landscapes, and historical areas to discover covert architectural treasures. Use neighborhood overviews and web sites, get in touch with digital photographers, and take public transport to off-the-beaten-path locations. Walk through neighborhoods, engage with locals, and be open to unexpected discoveries for distinct digital photography chances.

Professional photographer's Overview To Cityscapes And Urban Photography Cityscapes and city photography catch the power of city life, showcasing high-rises, streets, and design. They provide a bigger viewpoint, showing how buildings fit into the city landscape. Successful cityscape images blend style with a lively ambience, typically consisting of people and traffic.

Vital aspects consist of locating the best point of views and utilizing lengthy exposure for motion. Techniques like leading lines, balance, and reflections develop consistency and measurement. Light and shadow play a crucial duty in transforming cityscapes. With a purposeful strategy, cityscapes reveal a city's special character and pulse.

Methods For Catching Cityscapes And Breathtaking Sights. Mastering technological know-how and imaginative style is necessary for recording cityscapes and scenic sights. Wide-angle lenses and breathtaking stitching create expansive scenes, while long-exposure photography improves night shots with light trails and softened water.

Adding foreground elements like trees or bridges can boost deepness and viewpoint. Shooting during the gold or blue hour adds warm or awesome tones to cityscapes. By mastering these methods, professional photographers can create impressive sights of metropolitan environments.

Tips For Integrating Individuals And City Life Into Architectural Picture. Incorporating people and the city setting into architectural pictures includes a human touch, supplying percentage and context. Timing is crucial in recording active cityscapes and daily regimens. A bigger aperture separates topics from the history, maintaining the architecture as the centerpiece while including city life.

Long exposure strategies blur activity while preserving intensity in the architecture, stressing the contrast between fixed and vibrant elements. Respecting personal privacy and getting authorizations in public rooms is vital. Thoughtfully incorporating individuals and the metropolitan atmosphere permits photographers to communicate the vibrancy of city settings.

Post-Processing For Architectural Photography Post-processing is necessary in architectural photography Europe to improve and boost images. Changes to direct exposure, comparison, shade equilibrium, and intensity can elevate a great photograph to an impressive one without compromising authenticity.

Techniques like HDR can deal with difficult lighting circumstances while correcting point of view distortions and eliminating interruptions, which can improve overall structure. The key is to improve the photo while protecting the original significance of the architectural design.

Referrals For Software Program Equipment And Modifying Techniques. Different software devices for editing and enhancing building photography consist of Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, Capture One, and Luminar. Lightroom is known for its editing and enhancing tools, while Photoshop offers more advanced attributes. We have the Best Architectural Photography in Europe.

Methods like evading, burning, and careful shade adjustments can be made use of to achieve a natural look that highlights architectural details without too much handling. Professional photographers can make use of these devices and methods attentively to create exceptional building images.

Exactly How To Boost Architectural Photos Without Losing Their Significance. To improve building images and equilibrium imagination and authenticity. Usage practical shades and illumination, staying clear of extreme saturation and shade grading. Readjust exposure and comparison normally. Use perspective correction tools for straight lines.

Program the structure's environments. Limit retouching to subtle adjustments and stay clear of major modifications. Complying with these principles boosts architectural images while staying real to the original subject.

Getting Over Usual Obstacles In Building Digital Photography Building photography is challenging due to variables like groups and weather condition. Taking care of groups needs persistence and imaginative angles to lessen their presence. Capturing during much less hectic times or utilizing long exposure techniques can likewise aid.

Harsh sunlight or severe weather condition can affect lighting and mood, but photographers can adjust by embracing special qualities like representations from rainfall or dramatization from over cast skies. Filters and direct exposure control strategies can take care of rough lights and produce well balanced and visually enticing photos.

Handling Crowds, Weather condition, And Other Obstacles. Architectural digital photography includes getting rid of obstacles such as crowds, weather condition, and barriers. Patience is key in jampacked areas, and adapting to weather is crucial. Consent for limited areas needs research and professionalism and trust, with alternative point of views being explored if rejected. Complying with guidelines is necessary, and embracing obstacles with critical methods can result in impressive architectural photos.

Tips For Obtaining Permission To Photo In Restricted Locations. Digital photographers need to get approval from authorities or homeowner when photographing in restricted places. Research study guidelines beforehand and proactively connect objectives to pertinent authorities. Showcasing previous building job can establish credibility.

Follow certain place standards and supply essential insurance policy or liability protection. If consent is not given, check out alternate angles easily accessible to the public. Maintain a respectful attitude in the direction of regulations to foster positive partnerships.

Final thought Architectural photography Europe records the significance of various styles, from ancient to contemporary, utilizing distinctive methods to reveal hidden prizes and share engaging narratives that go beyond time and society.

[karenburciaga]

Brunch Scenes in Dubai - A Personal Experience

This is one city that I have grown to love so much; I adore every moment spent in Dubai, the tall buildings and the beautiful sandy beaches. An exciting factor in residing here is trying out various fascinating and best brunch deals in Dubai. Dubai brunch means way more than just a meal; it is a spectacle, a social gathering, and a feast for the eyes, the ears, and the stomach. Pausing right there, allow me to share with you some of the best brunch spots that I have tried in this beautiful city.

On coming to Dubai, I wanted to taste the famous brunch. However, I wanted to do it reasonably with little spending. Soon, I realized that there are many more inexpensive brunch items that offer good value at the same time as not being cheap. I had my first Friday brunch at Shakespeare and Co. in Jumeirah. At a very reasonable price, I was able to make my taste buds dance with fluently made foods ranging from pancakes to shakshuka amongst other meals, all under a relaxed ambiance and courteous staff. Next time when I need a place to eat, and I don't want to spend a lot of money, I'll definitely go back there, calling it a few of the best brunches in Dubai.

The other little find that I discovered was the Tortilla Mall of the Emirates. This was a fairly good restaurant that served a variety of food from different cuisines and had discrete elements of international flavors. The best part? This offered unlimited drink refills. Among other features, it was surprisingly charged fairly lower. In my case, I recall spending sometimes catching up with friends, taking a bite, and engaging in rampant discussions.

With time, I began to familiarize myself with the typical brunches offered in Dubai, and in the process, I looked for the best brunch deals in the region. I soon realized that most restaurants and surprisingly many hotels boast genuinely good brunch offers if one only knows where to look. I recall a memorable incident once at one of the pioneer hotels, Grosvenor House, which is exclusive and magnificent. This was a hotel with a special brunch offer at Buddha-Bar; meals were served, and drinks and music were also provided. The interior also prescribes a royal style, as if I was eating in a palace with the wonderful staff to complement it.

The other impressive discovery was the brunch by the beach at Eva Beach House. The brunch offer included getting to use the pool and beach, which merged the lunch and relaxation, which was perfect. Therefore, the whole day, I spent the day watching the sun, taking a dip in the pool, drinking at the bar, and dining at the many varieties of food offered. All in all, they left a great brunch impression, making me feel like I went on a mini-vacation.

However, brunch discovery would only be noticeable by trying some of the most delicious brunches in Dubai. I once had one of my best brunches in Dubai at The Market, an internationally acclaimed seafood restaurant on Sheikh Zayed Road. This brunch was a treat for the cameras as well as for the taste buds.

Another was a Thai brunch at a lively restaurant, Benjarong, located in Dusit Thani Dubai on the weekend. Importantly, you can enjoy the gastronomy with the breathtaking views of Dubai's cityscapes. It was one of the mere brunches that can make you forget time while getting lost in the excitement and tasty food.

In summary, discovering the best brunches in Dubai has been quite an amazing experience. However, Dubai's brunch is a perfect example of its ethnic and rich gastronomic offering and general hospitality everywhere and for anything. With so much amazing food available, I would like to encourage you to grab your best brunch deal, and you are sure to leave with a smile on your face and a fuzzy taste in your mouth.

[exsistential-life]

" The metaphorical strength of the term derives from the exhilaration we feel when we look at the horizon, particularly at the pure, unbroken, panoramic line of the horizon on the open sea, for it is there that the magnitude of the earth and sky meet in an uninterrupted vastness. The joy and trepidation we experience in this are created by the absence of intervening objects that meet our gaze in cityscapes or the landscapes of mountain ranges.

The scope of our vision as we look at the open horizon at sea becomes synonymous with a sense of the future as open and unlimited, inciting us to conceive beyond what we can actually see.

It is because of this that the horizon is the supreme locus of promise and possibility. It stands for the potential to transcend our present limits, to enlarge our view, to explore, to go beyond the boundaries of what we know. It tantalizes with the knowledge of what is unseen beyond it even as it traces a limit.

The sea horizon symbolizes a limit that is not fixed, which is potentially always to be pushed further on and moved beyond, as we seek forwards towards what is unseen. In this way, the line that defines the reach of our vision acquires the expressive quality of our desire to exceed it, in experience, outlook, and knowledge. "

[alemad200]

Exploring Dubai and Beyond: Your Comprehensive Guide to Car Rental Services and Urban Mobility Solutions

Dubai Rent a Car: Unshackles the Power to Uncover the City of Adventures at Your Very Own Pace Planning your Dubai adventure? Dubai rent a car allows you to search and check the routes the way you want at your own ease. Sayonara to the stereotypical straight jacket schedules and hello to a spur of the moment style of living as you zip through the electric urban jungle. Whether you fancy staying in the towering skyscrapers, the virgin sands or any arts and cultural scenes, renting a car gives you the freedom to modulate your bids as you want. The ease of searching for your ideal car just for your trip is a good drive. Sports cars, roadsters, and tractor-roads - pick what kind of car suits you in the world of car renting. Adopt the perks of home delivery and refund with no hustle around, making sure that a customer has a smooth journey at every stage. Bid "adieu" to public transport fusses and enjoy the absolute joy that the Open Road provides you with the car rentals in Dubai. Unveil locations such as offbeat tourist sites and magnificent spots that no traveler would ever find with simple comfort and effortless adventurous experiences. Now it's time for the journey of your dreams to Dubai, hands on the steering – and off you go!

Rent a Car Dubai: Our point of connection between smooth Koy lane paths and world-class tourism services. With rent a car Dubai services – your gateway to a hassle-free holiday of enjoyment and new discoveries in the picturesque, vigorous landscape. Said goodbye to the restrictions of public transportation and welcome to the new world where you are able to drive on your own without hurry-up or to be delayed. Whether you want to take a luxurious ride or keep it simple, our fleet, with enough cars that will cater to your all needs or budget, will ease the hassle of finding the best car for you in Dubai. Have you ever thought of those amazing rides that either bring to mind the stylish elegance of a sport sedan or the roomy comfort of an SUV? Indeed, choices are unlimited that would accommodate every passenger. If you have a limited time for commuting, succumb enjoyment to doorstep business which provide a service of flexible rent periods and acquire a customized experience just for you. Discover the city's maze of traffic-congested streets alongside serene highways and always bear in mind that your local car hire in Dubai takes care of every driving distance. Discover your favorite attractions as well as rare finds, the city's true gems you'll cherish without unnecessary hassle and inconvenience. Your Dubai journey elite starts now- get your adrenaline rush and make memories which will last for months!

Parking in Dubai: Urban Mobility Steering without Haziness Witness the art of moving silently in the congested Dubai with the use of parking solutions, which helps in avoiding the stress when exploring the dynamic cityscape. Say goodbye to the annoyance of repeatedly driving around the mall in search of a parking space and welcome the ease of control parking. Pick and choose the best fit for security and comfort in the myriad of variety of facilities. Whether you choose the secure underground garage or the convenient street parking option, let us ensure that your car parking necessities are handled smoothly and swiftly. In order to make the best out of the time you have, the city's iconic landmarks, bustling souks, and cultural splendors can be seen without the weight of parking constraints on your mind. Indulge in the luxury of walking freely through Dubai congested streets with assurance that there is always a secure parking facility no matter where you go. Whether you are a city residents or a tourist, the smart parking in Dubai make the experience the most convenient than ever before. Solve your parking dilemma and let’s embark on an amazing mobility experience around Dubai

Rent Car Dubai: Customized Services - Whatever is your requirement we are at your service. Get the best of what the city has to offer through the rent car Dubai service which filters convenience through to have a specialized solution to make your travel more exhilarating within the busy metropolis. We have the page background that is orange. We have the title that says "The hidden secrets of an entire universe." We have the yellowish images that imitate the stars and planets. A wide variety fleet consisting of vehicles for all the tastes and budgets that you need meets your requirements for finding the right means and manner of sight seeing can be easily accomplished. Whether it is you who value luxury and you that looks for elegance of the sedan or you are a practical person and you are demanding SUV, you are sure to find many choices satisfying you there. Benefit from flexible rental of trucks market with easy hours available and convenient locations for pick-up and drop-off are among the facilities the ensure a hassle-free rental from the beginning till the end. With our premium rent cars Dubai service that provides navigation of Dubai’s bustling streets coupled with the confidence that you are never alone with us all the road. With landmark icons deservedly in the spotlight and hidden precious items revealed, rich detail can be experienced in a unique way comfortable way Let us start your Dubai voyage in the most electrifying way ever – turn on your engine and gear up for the unparalleled experiences.

Rental Car: Ticket To A Stress-Free and Smooth Travel Journey. See the world cup with rental car services at your disposal, a convenient ticket to free travel adventures to leaping to various destinations near and far. See the last of public transo showed and start discovering a city as you going right on time. Therefore, the company has a range of vehicles ranging from small cars to very powerful motorcycles, from which you can always choose a ride for your escapade. You can select the sedan that lures your sophistication, the SUV which for your space hunger or the convertible that satisfies the thrill of your wanderlust in terms of a variety of options. Get comfortable with the flexibility of the rental time and the no problem pickup/drop-off options to avoid being bogged down with detail and have the experience tailored to your itinerary perfectly. The thought of getting lost can be nerve-racking. However, with the rental car, you can cruise on unknown routes with peace of mind. You are more than prepared to explore thanks to all the mod cons of this rental car. Whether you're on a thrilling road trip or an exciting urban adventure, let your loyally steering car rental partner be the bridge to discover the wonders and wonders everywhere. Let the adventure begin – find the strongest straps, hop in, and start your journey to live the very best moments in life!

[adherentmouser]

The Reason Why Chuan Park Condo Unit Is Your Aspiration Home Location?

In the dynamic garden of real estate, locating the perfect home belongs to finding out a treasure. Snuggled amidst the bustling cityscape, Chuan Park Condo unit arises as a sign of contemporary residing, using an enlightening blend of high-end, comfort, and harmony. Permit's examine why Chuan Park Condominium stands apart as the ultimate aspiration home place.

Chuan Park Condominium is Your Dream Home

Main Place

A Hub of Comfort

Tactically positioned in the heart of the metropolitan area, Chuan Park Condominium takes pleasure in unparalleled accessibility to a wide variety of facilities. Along with prominent institutions, going shopping malls, as well as leisure locations simply a stone's throw away, citizens are craved choice. Whether it is actually taking part in shopping or appreciating a leisurely walk in the park, every little thing is within upper arm's scope, creating day-to-day living a breeze.

Extravagant Staying Rooms

Elegance Redefined

Tip in to the arena of high-end as the chuan park condo o supplies a range of carefully designed staying areas. Coming from relaxing one-bedroom houses to spreading penthouses, each unit exudes sophistication as well as complexity. Flawless craftsmanship and also modern services raise the living take in, creating a shelter that personifies convenience as well as type.

Peaceful Environments

Haven of Calmness

Escape the pressure of city life as well as embrace serenity at Chuan Park Condominium. Snuggled amidst lavish vegetation as well as tranquil gardens, this territory supplies a reprieve coming from the turmoil of urban living. Whether it's taking a break by the poolside or even appreciating a leisurely walk in the painstakingly designed backyards, homeowners can renew their senses and also discover relief amidst attribute's welcome.

Lifestyle Facilities

Incomparable Convenience

Knowledge a way of life of unrivaled comfort with a variety of features straight at your residence. From modern exercise centers to recreational establishments, the chuan park condo provides for every element of present day living. Delight in an activity of tennis, range a barbeque event along with pals, or merely relax in the hot tub-- the probabilities are unlimited, making certain that every instant is full of pleasure and enthusiasm.

Final thought

In a globe where the pursuit for the ideal home appears continuous, Chuan Park Condo unit develops as a sign of hope, giving a harmonious combination of luxury, convenience, and peacefulness. Along with its own prime location, glamorous lifestyle spaces, serene settings, and also unmatched way of life services, it truly symbolizes the importance of contemporary residing. Thus why agree to just about anything a lot less when your dream home destination awaits at Chuan Park Condominium?

[arijittravels]

A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Romantic Escapes in Singapore

Singapore, with its captivating blend of modernity and tradition, stands as an enchanting destination for couples seeking a romantic escape. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, the Lion City offers a plethora of experiences to create unforgettable memories with your beloved. In this detailed travel guide, we'll delve into the essence of romance in Singapore, highlighting must-visit attractions and intimate experiences. Let's embark on a journey to discover the allure of Singapore for couples, with insights from "Marina Bay Sands, Singapore" and "Romance In Singapore" by WanderOn.

Crafting the Perfect Romantic Getaway:

Accommodation: Begin your romantic escapade by selecting the ideal accommodation. Whether you prefer luxurious opulence or intimate boutique hotels, Singapore offers a myriad of options to suit every preference. Consider indulging in the lavish amenities and breathtaking views offered by Marina Bay Sands.

Transportation: Getting around Singapore is seamless thanks to its efficient public transportation system. Navigate the city with ease using the MRT network, or opt for taxis and rideshare services. Consider purchasing a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited rides, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace.

Exploring Romantic Experiences:

Panoramic Views: Start your romantic journey with panoramic vistas of Singapore's skyline. Visit Marina Bay Sands and ascend to its iconic observation deck for unparalleled views of the city. Alternatively, take a ride on the Singapore Flyer, offering breathtaking 360-degree views.

Gardens by the Bay: Immerse yourselves in the enchanting beauty of Gardens by the Bay, a sprawling oasis nestled in the heart of the city. Wander amidst the vibrant flora hand in hand, and marvel at the iconic Supertrees illuminated by dazzling lights in the evening.

Indulging in Culinary Delights:

Hawker Centers: Embark on a culinary adventure through Singapore's renowned hawker centers, where you can sample a diverse array of local delicacies at affordable prices. Savor mouthwatering dishes such as Hainanese chicken rice and chili crab, served in a bustling atmosphere.

Fine Dining Experiences: Treat your significant other to an unforgettable dining experience at one of Singapore's Michelin-starred restaurants. Enjoy gourmet cuisine and impeccable service surrounded by breathtaking views of the cityscape.

Exploring Cultural Treasures:

Chinatown and Little India: Immerse yourselves in Singapore's rich cultural tapestry by exploring vibrant districts like Chinatown and Little India. Wander through colorful streets adorned with ornate temples and bustling markets.

National Gallery Singapore: Delve into the art and heritage of Southeast Asia at the National Gallery Singapore, home to an extensive collection of artworks. Admire masterpieces by renowned artists as you stroll through the museum's galleries hand in hand.

Romantic Escapes:

Sentosa Island: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and retreat to Sentosa Island, offering pristine beaches and lush gardens. Spend a leisurely day lounging by the sea or embark on thrilling adventures such as zip-lining and snorkeling.

Candlelit Evenings: Conclude your romantic journey with an intimate evening. Treat yourselves to a couples' spa treatment or enjoy cocktails at a rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline as the sun sets.

Beyond the Itinerary:

Clarke Quay: Experience Singapore's vibrant nightlife scene at Clarke Quay, a riverside district brimming with bars and entertainment venues. Dance the night away to live music or embark on a romantic cruise along the Singapore River.

Jewel Changi Airport: Before bidding farewell to Singapore, make a stop at Jewel Changi Airport, featuring lush gardens and a stunning indoor waterfall. Explore the diverse array of shops and dining outlets before departing.

Singapore offers endless possibilities for romance, making it the perfect destination for couples seeking an unforgettable getaway. Whether you're exploring iconic landmarks, indulging in culinary delights, or simply enjoying each other's company, the Lion City promises a truly magical experience. So pack your bags, embark on an adventure, and create timeless memories with your beloved in Singapore.

[glancescreen]

Understanding the 'Glance Off' Option, A Temporary Pause in Your Android Experience.

In the world of smartphone technology, Android users are constantly seeking ways to personalize their digital experience. Among the myriad of features available, Glance has emerged as a game-changer, transforming the humble lock screen into a dynamic portal of information and entertainment.

However, even the most devoted Glance users occasionally feel the need for a simpler interface. This is where the desire to keep Glance off comes into play, offering a temporary respite from the content-rich experience that Glance provides.

The Beauty of Choice: Why Some Users Opt for Glance Off

In our digital world, the ability to customize our devices according to our changing needs is paramount. Android recognizes this, which is why the option to turn Glance off is readily available to all users. But what drives someone to temporarily disable such a feature-rich platform?

For some, it's about reducing digital distractions. In an era where we're constantly bombarded with information, taking a step back by turning Glance off, can feel refreshing. Others might be curious about exploring traditional lock screen setups, or simply want to experience their device in its most basic form for a while.

It's important to understand that turning Glance off doesn't equate to a permanent farewell. Instead, think of it as pressing a pause button on your enhanced lock screen experience. This temporary break allows you to step back and appreciate the simplicity of a basic lock screen, potentially leading to a renewed appreciation for Glance when you decide to return.

The decision to turn Glance off is a testament to Android's commitment to user choice and flexibility. It acknowledges that our digital needs and preferences can fluctuate, and provides the tools to adapt our devices accordingly.

What You'll Miss: The Features That Make Glance Special

Before you decide to turn Glance off, it's worth taking a moment to consider the unique features you'll be temporarily saying goodbye to. Glance isn't just a lock screen replacement; it's a comprehensive platform that brings a wealth of content and functionality right to your fingertips.

Live Stories from Branded Content Creators

One of Glance's standout features is its ability to deliver real-time updates and engaging stories from a variety of branded content creators. This means you're always in the loop with trending topics, breaking news, and exclusive content, all without the need to unlock your phone.

Whether you're interested in technology, fashion, sports, or current events, ensures you're always up-to-date with the latest happenings in your areas of interest.

Curated Wallpaper Carousel

Say goodbye to static backgrounds! With Glance, your lock screen becomes a dynamic canvas that reflects your style and mood. The platform offers a constantly refreshing carousel of stunning wallpapers, ranging from breathtaking landscapes and cityscapes to abstract art and thematic designs.

This feature not only keeps your lock screen visually engaging but also allows you to discover new artists and photographers regularly.

Free Online Games Across 10+ Categories

For many users, one of Glance's most beloved features is its extensive library of free online games. With over 10 categories to choose from, there's always something to keep you entertained during those idle moments.

Whether you're into puzzles, action games, strategy titles, or casual time-killers, has you covered. These games are designed to be played right from your lock screen, making it easy to squeeze in a quick gaming session while waiting in line or during your commute.

Unlimited Content Consumption Without Hassle

Perhaps Glance's most impressive feat is how it transforms your lock screen into a portal of endless discovery. News articles, videos, lifestyle tips, and more are all readily available without the need to unlock your phone or navigate through multiple apps.

This effortless content consumption model means you can stay informed and entertained with just a glance at your phone. The platform's intelligent algorithm learns your preferences over time, ensuring that the content you see is always relevant and engaging.

The Glance Experience: More Than Just a Lock Screen

To truly understand what you'll be missing when you turn Glance off, it's important to recognize that Glance is more than just a feature - it's a lifestyle enhancement. It turns those brief moments when you check your phone into opportunities for discovery and entertainment.

One of Glance's most significant benefits is it's time-saving capability. Instead of unlocking your phone and browsing through various apps to catch up on news, find a quick game to play, or check out the latest trends, everything is right there on your lock screen. This streamlined approach to content consumption has become indispensable for many users, seamlessly integrating information and entertainment into their daily routines.

Moreover, Glance serves as a personalized content curator. Its intelligent algorithm learns your preferences over time, ensuring that the content you see is always tailored to your interests. This means that the more you use Glance, the better it becomes at delivering content that resonates with you.

Taking a Break: The Glance Off Experience

If you do decide to turn Glance off, you'll notice an immediate change in your lock screen experience. The dynamic, content-rich interface will be replaced by a more traditional, static lock screen. For some users, this change can feel refreshing initially, offering a sense of digital minimalism.

However, it's worth noting that many users report missing the convenience and engagement that Glance provides, if they choose to turn Glance off. You might find yourself taking extra steps to access information or entertainment that was previously at your fingertips. This contrast often highlights the value that Glance brings to daily smartphone use.

During your time keeping Glance off, you may notice that you're spending more time actively searching for content or opening multiple apps to stay informed. The absence of quick-access games might make those short waiting periods feel longer. These experiences can serve as a reminder of how seamlessly Glance integrates into your digital life.

The Return: Rediscovering Glance

The beauty of the Glance off option is that it's not permanent. Many users who take a break from Glance find themselves eager to return after experiencing life without it. The process of re-enabling Glance is simple and straightforward, designed to welcome you back with open arms.

Upon your return from having Glance off, you may notice updates and improvements to the interface. The platform doesn't stand still while you're away; it's constantly evolving, introducing new features and refining existing ones to enhance user experience.

This continuous improvement means that coming back after a period of keeping Glance off often feels like discovering the platform anew, with fresh content categories, improved personalization, and exciting features to explore.

Many users who return after a stint of keeping Glance off report a renewed appreciation for Glance's features. The convenience of having curated content at your fingertips, the joy of discovering new wallpapers, and the entertainment provided by quick-access games all feel amplified after experiencing life with Glance off.

The contrast between the basic lock screen and Glance's rich interface becomes more apparent, highlighting the value that Glance adds to daily smartphone use.

Moreover, you might find yourself exploring Glance more thoroughly upon your return from keeping Glance off, discovering features or content types you may have overlooked before.

This renewed engagement often leads to a deeper appreciation for the platform and a stronger commitment to keeping it as part of your daily smartphone experience. The time spent with having off serves as a reminder of how seamlessly Glance integrates into and enhances your digital life.

Conclusion: Glance - Always Just a Tap Away

As we navigate the digital landscape, it's comforting to know that we have the freedom to customize our experiences. Whether you're a long-time Glance enthusiast or someone considering turning it off for a while, remember that the choice is always yours. The option to pause Glance allows you to experience your Android device in different ways, potentially leading to a greater appreciation for the feature when you return.

If you do decide to take a break by keeping Glance off, know that it's always just a few taps away when you're ready to dive back into its rich, personalized content world. The temporary absence due to keeping Glance off, might just remind you of how seamlessly Glance enhances your daily digital life, turning every glance at your phone into an opportunity for discovery and engagement.

Ultimately, Glance is more than just a lock screen feature - it's a gateway to a more informed, entertained, and connected smartphone experience. It represents the future of mobile interaction, where information and entertainment are seamlessly integrated into our devices' most basic functions.

So, whether you choose to keep Glance on and enjoy its myriad features, or take a short break to experience your phone differently by turning Glance off, remember that Glance will be there, ready to transform your lock screen into a dynamic portal of discovery whenever you're ready.

In the end, the power to shape your digital experience is in your hands - Glance simply provides the tools to make that experience richer, more personalized, and more engaging than ever before.